In addition to having a rich cultural heritage, Illinois is home to some of the nation’s most dangerous and deserted cities. Why are these once-thriving locations now deserted and dilapidated, and what happened to them? These are a few of the causes of these Illinois cities’ demise.
Cairo: A City with an Interesting Past but a Sombre Future
Cairo is a town at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers in the southernmost point of Illinois. In the 1940s, it had a population of more than 15,000 and was a thriving river port. Being mentioned in the writings of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, it was also a cultural landmark. However, a number of causes caused Cairo’s fortunes to drastically change in the second half of the 20th century:
- Cairo’s significance as a trading hub was diminished by the building of an interstate highway bridge and a railway bridge that avoided it.
- the violence and racial tensions that broke out in the 1960s, resulting in riots, boycotts, and white flight.
- Many residents lost their employment and income as a result of the closure of large businesses including the hospital, the paper mill, and the foam factory.
With fewer than 2,000 residents and the majority of its buildings boarded up or destroyed, Cairo is now a ghost town. The town lacks a police department, a bank, a grocery shop and a petrol station. It is a depressing illustration of how a town with an interesting past may have a bleak future.
Markham: A Poor Quality of Life and High Crime Area
There are roughly 11,700 people living in the Cook County, Illinois, area known as Markham. With a violent crime rate of 1,492 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4,507 per 100,000 residents, it is among the state’s most hazardous cities. Compared to the national averages of 367 and 2,110, respectively, these rates are significantly higher. With a median household income of $40,000, a poverty rate of 22%, and an unemployment rate of 12%, Markham also has a poor quality of life. The fact that Markham is surrounded by other high-crime communities including Harvey, Dixmoor, and Phoenix contributes to some of its issues. Due to decades of corruption and poor administration, Markham’s issues are also partially tied to its governance. For instance, the mayor of Markham was ousted from office in 2017 following a conviction for fraud and bribery. Many people of Markham decide to leave or stay away from the city since it provides them with little opportunity or hope.
Additional Cities in the 2024 Eclipse’s Path of Totality
The impending complete solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is one of the only factors that could draw tourists to some of Illinois’ deserted cities. A limited route that runs across the state will provide views of this uncommon celestial phenomenon; some of the cities along this route are some of the most deserted and dismal in the nation. For instance, the following cities are among those that will witness totality:
- The majority of the residents of Centralia, a former coal mining town, perished in a mine fire in 1962.
- Despite having little else to offer, Metropolis is a town that bills itself as the birthplace of Superman.
- The college town of Carbondale has been dealing with budget shortages, violence, and dwindling enrolment.
During the eclipse, these cities may have a brief surge in tourists and income, but it is unlikely that they will experience any long-term advantages or a rebirth. They serve as illustrations of how, even at night, there is little to look forward to in some of Illinois’ deserted cities.
Why Nobody Lives in These Empty Cities in Illinois.
