Grafton, Illinois, which lies in the southwest edge of Jersey County, is the home to the confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Those two rivers play a large part in the economy of Grafton, Jersey County, State of Illinois and the United States as a whole.

The Mississippi River alone creates 400,000 jobs, 90,000 high-paying manufacturing positions and a recreational industry worth well over $1 Billion each year - hunting, fishing and tourism jobs.

The two rivers are a major player in assisting agriculture to get their crops into the international markets. Over 60% of all American agricultural exports - corn, wheat and soybeans - are shipped down the Mississippi on its way to foreign markets.

River transportation is the most environmentally friendly form of shipping goods and commodities that exists today.

It requires a 15-barge tow, the typical length, to move 22,500 tons of goods…(one barge carries 1,500 tons/one large semi-trailer truck - 26 tons). That means it takes 58 large semi trucks to carry the same load of one barge and 870 semi trailer trucks to transport the same amount of grain or other goods as one barge tow.

The rivers play an important part in the Jersey County economy. First, supporting ag producers and agribusiness. Secondly, it has created a very strong tourist market. Not only water sports but also fall foliage tours and eagle watching in the winter.

Also, IL Highway 100 between Grafton and Alton has been designated as a National Scenic By-way. For more information, call the Grafton Chamber of Commerce at 618/786-GROW.