Cairo Custom House Museum

The Custom House took three years to build (from 1869-1872).

"Cairo Customs House" by joseph a is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Quick Facts

Location:

Cairo, IL

MANAGED BY:

Alexander County, IL

Amenities

6 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Restroom

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

Less than two miles from Fort Defiance State Park sits the Cairo Custom House Museum. The building, built in 1872, is full of history about the surrounding region, as well as being of historical significance itself. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cairo Custom House was originally used as the location for collecting tariffs on imports being traded along the Mississippi River. Other uses for the building included a seat for the Federal court, post office, and offices for other government agencies.  

Visitors will find exhibits that include many Civil War-era related pieces, including a desk used by Ulysses S. Grant while he visited the city, as well as a replica of the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat. Other exhibits include local historical pieces and information about the Custom House itself. Outside the museum, visitors can walk around the Museum grounds and get up close to two different, historic decommissioned cannons, among other attractions. Of special note is a limestone marker, commemorating the legacy and life of York, William Clark’s slave who accompanied the Corps of Discovery and became a central figure in its history. There is also a special marker for Seaman, Captain Lewis’s Newfoundland that traveled with the Corps. The Museum grounds include a courtyard with benches and a fountain for visitors to sit and relax.  

Call the museum at [phone] for hours of operation and to find out if any special exhibits or events are taking place.