Robert Wadlow Statue
2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002
Historic Sites
Visit the statue of the tallest man in the world, Alton's Gentle Giant.
In 1918, Alton became the famous birthplace of Robert Wadlow, "The Gentle Giant." Born a normal eight pounds in 1918, Wadlow suffered from a pituitary gland problem. He was almost nine feet tall and 500 pounds when he died of complications from a foot infection at age 22. He is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man alive. A life-sized statue on College Avenue lifts visitors' heads in amazement. The Alton Museum of History and Art has devoted an entire room to Wadlow, including his third-grade desk and oversized grade school ring.
What's happening nearby...
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Alton Night Market
Jacoby Arts Center • Jun 06 – Jul 25 @ 7PM
You never know what you might find at the Alton Night Market! Made for night owls, the Night Market isn't just your average farmer's market! Visitors…
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Christmas Wonderland
Dec 25 – Dec 27 @ 6PM
Begin your holiday celebration when you experience the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display! The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again…
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Underground Railroad Shuttle Tours
Alton
Discover the story of the Underground Railroad throughout Alton, IL.
Read more about Underground Railroad Shuttle Tours![](https://enjoyillinois.dottie.io/assets/Tourism-Operators/images/Lincoln-Civil-Way-Legacy-Trail__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNjAwLDQwMF0.jpg)
Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail
Alton
Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Civil War soldiers from both North and South.
Read more about Lincoln & Civil War Legacy TrailAlton's National Cemetery
Alton
Fought on American soil, the Civil War was the deadliest war in American history.
Read more about Alton's National Cemetery