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United Country Mark Twain Real Estate |
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Serving Olive Branch Illinois, Alexander County & Pulaski County In Southern Illinois |
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P O Box 159
Olive Branch IL 62969
Phone: (618) 776-5000
Fax: (618) 776-5031
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Olive Branch, in Alexander County, is a small town on State Highway 3 near the Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area. It's about 20 miles north of Cairo and 20 miles southeast of Cape Girardeau, MO.
What is now the downtown area of Olive Branch was purchased by Milton Blocker and Stephen Flinn in 1836 from a Chickasaw Indian chief.
The 1,280 acres were purchased for $1.20 per acre. The town was originally known as Cowpens, for the many cow pens that once lined the primary road. It was later renamed to Watson's Crossroads in honor of Sam Watson, a Methodist minister. In 1846, the first post office is established and the town changes its name to Olive Branch.
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In 1846, the first post office is established and the town changes its name to Olive Branch.
In 1875 it is formally incorporated as Olive Branch. The first mayor of Olive Branch was Ben Wesson.
The average winter temperature is 36 degrees and the summer average is 77 degrees. The climate is mild, winters are short and spring and autumn linger. Spring comes early - the flowering of the dogwoods is cause for celebration in the region. After the mercifully short days of summer, residents of the area venture out to enjoy autumn.
Among area points of interest is Magnolia Manor. Built in 1869, the brick mansion boasts 14 rooms featuring Italianate architecture.
Fort Defiance State Park, a former Civil War post commanded by General U.S. Grant, became the supply base for the western thrust into the Confederacy.
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The Safford Memorial Library is a working library that houses Civil War documents and a museum-quality collection of antiques and paintings.
The Cairo Custom House Museum was completed in 1872 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
It was established as a Civil War and local history museum in 1992. Housed in the museum is the desk used by General U.S. Grant.
Education is an important aspect of our area. Olive Branch has 3 elementary schools, a Christian school, intermediate and middle schools, a high school and Parkwood Campus School. Several junior/vocational colleges and 4-year universities are nearby.
The 9,550-acre Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area includes a 2,400-acre lake that resembles a Louisiana bayou with wading herons and large stands of cypress swamps, cottonwoods and tupelo gums. Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Every year millions of birds travel the invisible Mississippi Flyway over Alexander County on their seasonal migrations. Goose hunting season is a huge event with organized hunts, maintained blinds and decoy spreads. Deer, duck and turkey hunters also enjoy great success.
We could say a lot more about this area, its people and its heritage. Our service is friendly and old-fashioned, but still up-to-date. We can help you with computer marketing, property searches and referral information on a national basis. Call us or stop by for the most complete real estate services this area has to offer.
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United Country Mark Twain Real Estate
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