Cairo, Illinois, has experienced significant population decline and economic challenges. Once a thriving port city at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Cairo reached its peak population of over 15,000 in the early 20th century. However, after the decline of river traffic, the closure of key industries, and the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the city began to suffer economically. Today, Cairo’s population is under 3,000, and many parts of the city have been abandoned or are in