Southern Region, IL Land for Sale

The Southern region of Illinois encompasses the central and eastern counties in the southern region of the state, and borders Missouri to the west and south and the Mississippi River and Missouri River, Kentucky to the south and east and the Ohio River and Wabash River, and Indiana to the east. The region's nickname "Little Egypt" is thought to have originated in the 1830s, when poor harvests in the north of the state drove people to Southern Illinois to buy grain. It is also thought to come from the land of the great Mississippi River and Ohio River valleys, which resemble Egypt's Nile delta. The town of Cairo still stands on the peninsula where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers join, and there are several other settlements in the region with Egyptian, Greek or Middle Eastern names. Large cities in the region include Olney, Centralia, Salem, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Marion, Harrisburg, Murphysboro and Metropolis. The most densely populated area in the region is the Carbondale-Marion- Herrin, Illinois Combined Statistical Area. The southeastern part of this region is the least populated, and the Saline River runs through it.

The region has one national forest, one national wildlife refuge, and more than 15 state parks, forests, recreation and natural areas. The Shawnee National Forest covers more than 270,000 acres. Other highlights include Cache River State Natural Area, Cave-In-Rock State Park, Dixon Springs State Park, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Lake Murphysboro State Park, Red Hills State Park, Lake and Dam, Trail of Tears State Forest, Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Batchtown State Fish and Waterfowl Management Area, Pere Marquette State Park and Fort Kaskaskia State Park.

The Southern region is culturally tied to the Mid-South, Western Kentucky, Southwestern Indiana, Western Tennessee and Southeastern Missouri. As it was once the wealthiest part of Illinois, there is an abundance of antebellum architecture remaining in its towns and cities. Some agricultural products include corn, soybeans, apples, peaches, grapes, wine and livestock. The University of Illinois Extension contributes greatly to the agricultural community. Much of the Southern region's economy is based on agriculture, and coal mining with its significant coal deposits. The coal industry has declined in recent years due to decreased demand for high-sulfur coal, which causes more pollution. Manufacturing is typically clustered near the largest towns of each county, which contain small factories and industrial parks, producing primarily industrial electronics, mine electrical items, automobile parts and packaging materials. The region is home to a major military installation, Scott Air Force Base. There are several colleges and universities in the Southern region, which include Greenville College, John A. Logan College, Kaskaskia College, Morthland College, Olney Central College, Rend Lake College, Shawnee Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Wabash Valley College. Tourism also contributes to the economy in the Southern region, with so many state parks and the Shawnee National Forest, and historical sites and markers. There is a casino located in Metropolis, and there are nearly 25 vineyards and wineries which make up the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Williamson County is located in the center of Illinois' Southern region. It is named for Williamson County, Tennessee, since many of its early settlers traveled on the Ohio River from Tennessee and Virginia. Marion is the largest city and the county seat, and other cities include Carterville, Creal Springs, Herrin, Hurst and Johnston City. There are less than 20 other villages, census-designated communities and unincorporated communities. Part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located in the county, and the Shawnee National Forest and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The county features high-quality outdoor recreation and is known as the "Goose Capital of the World," for its outstanding goose hunting. Williamson County features more than 100 restaurants, area wineries and nearly 25 hotels, motels, cabins and bed and breakfasts. John A. Logan College is located in the county.

Jackson County is located in the western part of Illinois' Southern region, and borders the Mississippi River and Missouri River to the west. It is named in honor of Andrew Jackson. Carbondale, home to the main campus of Southern Illinois University, is the most populated city and the county seat is Murphysboro. Other cities include Ava, Grand Tower, and 25 other villages, townships and one census-designated place. Part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and the Shawnee National Forest are also located in this county. Much of the economy is based around Carbondale and Southern Illinois University. It is part of the Metro Lakeland area, which has experienced rapid growth, and also includes Marion, Herrin and Carterville. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail also runs through this county, which has evolved into a booming attraction for tourists. Other attractions include Cedar Lake, a 1,750- acre reservoir for recreation, Devil's Backbone, an unusual limestone ridge, General John A. Logan Museum, an important politician, military leader and champion of veteran affairs in the 1800s, Giant City State Park, Johnson Creek Recreation Area, Kincaid Lake, a 2,750-acre lake in the Shawnee Hills region, Lake Murphysboro State Park, Little Grand Canyon, Mississippi River Museum and Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir also in the Shawnee National Forest.

Jefferson County is located in the center of the Southern Illinois region. It is named in honor of Thomas Jefferson. Mount Vernon is the largest city and the county seat, and Nason is another city in the county. There are nearly 40 other villages, townships and unincorporated communities. Some attractions in the county include Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Jefferson County Historical Village and Rend Lake, a 18,900-acre reservoir which includes Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, a hunting preserve and a shooting range. Major industries in the area include tire and rail equipment manufacturing and healthcare. Rend Lake College is located in the county. Mount Vernon is the retail hub of the county, with several shopping and commerce areas.