Which Illinois city borders Kentucky across the Ohio River?

• A. Cairo
• B. Chicago
• C. Peoria
• D. Rockford

Answer: (A)

Cairo is the correct answer because it is the only city in Illinois that directly borders Kentucky across the Ohio River. Geographically, Cairo is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, making it a significant location that connects Illinois to Kentucky. This positioning allows it to serve as a natural border between the two states.

In contrast, cities like Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford are located in the northern part of Illinois, far removed from the Ohio River and the Kentucky border. Chicago, for instance, is situated near Lake Michigan and is much closer to the northern border of the state. Peoria and Rockford also lie in northern and central Illinois, respectively, and do not intersect with the Ohio River, thus making them irrelevant to the question of which city borders Kentucky.