The exact origin of these nicknames for this region is not entirely clear, but there appear to be a number of factors that have contributed to their development and popularization over time. One reason that the area became popularly known as Egypt centers on Southern Illinois’ role in supplying grain to northern and central Illinois following a harsh winter in 1830-31. Upper Illinois suffered from a long winter and late spring, so crops were not planted until June, and much of that harvest was killed by an early September frost. Southern Illinois, however, was milder that year and produced grain, much of which was shipped north. Wagon trains came south and returned home with corn, and many believe the similarities with the Bible story of Jacob’s sons going to Egypt to buy grain and survive a famine may have resulted in the nickname. 

One pioneer, Daniel Brush, founder of Carbondale, recalled in his memoirs how grain was shipped from points on the Big Muddy and Mississippi Rivers to central and northern Illinois that year. He, too, supports the notion that the role Southern Illinois played in feeding those areas led to the rise of the “Egypt” moniker. An informative page on the Southern Illinois History Page provides more details about the Winter of 1830-31.

Today, the region is commonly referred to as Little Egypt. The reason behind the addition of "Little" to the nickname is not altogether clear, either. Nonetheless, Little Egypt represents to many an assortment of unique legends, people, historical events, and geography. It is in many respects more kin to neighboring southern states than to the rest of Illinois. A different mindset, that is difficult to put a finger on, exists among many of its residents. 

Some content courtesy of the Southern Illinoisan, "Even our nickname is legendary," by Judy Travelstead, September 15, 1996.