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...
250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park
Haskell Park • Jul 01 @ 4PM
Kick off opening night of 250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park on July 1! Enjoy a giant birthday cake, eating contests, live music, food trucks,…
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250 on the Mississippi at Rotary Park
Alton Godfrey Rotary Park • Jul 02 @ 4PM
Keep the celebration going at Alton Godfrey Rotary Park with live music by American Jackals, food trucks, stilt walkers, kids activities, and festive fun for the…
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250 on the Mississippi - Downtown Alton
Alton Amphitheater • Jul 03 @ 5PM
Celebrate the grand finale of 250 on the Mississippi at the Alton Amphitheater with live music, lawn games, food trucks, and the Alton Fireworks Spectacular!
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