Metropolis is a small town in Southern Illinois (population around 7,000). We are located on the Ohio river just across the bridge from Paducah, Kentucky. Metropolis was founded in 1839 near the remains of Fort Massac which was built in the 1700's. Our primary claim to fame for many years has been Superman. In the early 1970's the town fathers adopted Superman. The Illinois House passed a resolution declaring Metropolis the Official Hometown of Superman in 1972. A large statue was placed at the east end of the courthouse in his honor in 1986. That statue has since been replaced with one that is fifteen feet tall and quite impressive. A privately owned museum/store is located nearby, and the Chamber of Commerce sells Superman souvenirs. The town has hosted a Superman Days celebration every June for the past couple of decades. Both the statue and the museum draw a large number of tourists every year. There is only one Metropolis listed in the Postal Zip Code Directory.
When I saw the statue I thought, "What a perfect place for a dead body!" I began writing that mystery a few years ago. Murder In Metropolis was published in July, 2003. It has been quite an interesting experience. I've spent time with the coroner, the sheriff, his staff, and toured the Massac County Detention Center (very clean and well run, but you don't want to live there.)
A small town with tourist attractions can be an interesting place to live. It can also be irritating, traffic wise. If you are ever in the Metropolis area, take time to visit the statue and the nearby sights. If I'm around, I'll be sure to wave into your video camera. I'll be the one on the left, no ponytail, no poodle skirt. |
