Metropolis - The mythical town where Superman (a.k.a. "the Man of Steel") lived in the sci-fi series THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN/SYN/1951-57. In the guise of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter for a quaint metropolitan newspaper, Superman, an alien from the planet Krypton with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal man, protected the citizens of Metropolis.

TRIVIA NOTE: In 1972, the citizens of a small town located in Massac County along the southern tip of Illinois, just off Interstate 24 realized that their town was the only one in the United States named Metropolis (established 1838). The city fathers convinced National Periodicals, the company who produced the Superman comic book character, to acknowledge the city as Superman's hometown. Since then, the town has paid homage to Superman by painting Superman's likeness on the city's water tower and holding an annual Superman Celebration, that attracts more than three time the town's population). The festival includes a Superman Tug of War, an antique car show, a Miss and Little Miss Supergirl pageant, and a Superdog contest.

The town's Chamber of Commerce office is filled with Superman memorabilia, cartoon sketches, posters and a phone booth that visitors can enter and listen to a recorded message from the Man of Steel himself.

"Hello" Superman says, "My name is Clark Kent. Some people call me Superman...I Hope you enjoy your stay in Metropolis and have a safe trip home...I you want to be a real  good friend of mine, I need your help to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way."

Even the town's weekly newspaper, "The Planet" gets into the act by sponsoring an annual Lois Lane Award that honors the town's most distinguished female citizen. A painted bronze Superman statue (formerly fiberglass) stands proudly near the Courthouse (Market Street at Superman Square).