ALEXANDER COUNTY, in the extreme south part of Illinois, situated at the junction of Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Length 23 miles; mean breadth about 17, with an area of 390 square miles. The surface along the borders of the rivers is flat and low, so much so that considerable tracts are annually overflowed. The general character of the soil is fertile, producing excellent crops. Courts are held at Unity. Pop. in 1830, 1,390; in 1840, 3,313; in 1850, 2,484. (Fanning's, 1853)
ALEXANDER COUNTY, A county forming the southern extremity of the state; has an area of 245 square miles. It is situated at the confluence of the Ohio with the Mississippi river, the latter of which forms its southern and south-western boundary, and separates it from Missouri. Cash river flows along the eastern borders of the county until it enters the Ohio, a few miles from its mouth. The surface is low, and, in some parts, is subject to inundation. The soil is fertile. Wheat, Indian corn, grass, cattle and swine are the staples. The Illinois Central railroad passes through this county, having its terminus at Cairo. Capital, Thebes. Population, 2,890. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)