Alton, Illinois has been the location of many historic events in the history of the United States. One such event was the final Lincoln and Douglas debate during the race for one of the two Illinois United States senate seats in 1858. A monument to this event with life sized bronze statues of Lincoln and Douglas is located at the Lincoln Douglas Square. Alton was also very important in the underground railroad and several historic homes still have tunnels and chambers that slaves used on their way to freedom. Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man at 8 feet, 11 inches, lived in Alton until his death in 1940. Artifacts from his life can be seen at the Alton Museum of History & Art. Alton also has a reputation as being "one of the most haunted small towns in America" and many tours are given to explore the history behind the hauntings. Ruins of a Confederate Prison, a Confederate Cemetery and Memorial, as well as many historical homes, buildings and other museums, all chronicle Alton's historic past.
Alton Visitor Center
200 Piasa Street
Alton, IL 62002
618-465-6676
800-ALTON-IL (800-258-6645)
Alton, Illinois Website, Downtown Alton Website, Rivers & Routes Website - Visit Alton
Historic Building in Historic Alton Illinois Link
Ruins of the Military Prison used for Confederate Soldiers Link
Historic Alton Illinois Streetview Link
"Old Rock House"- Anti-Slavery Society was founded here Link
The Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument in Alton Illinois Link
Historic Alton Illinois Streetview Link
A life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow-the Alton Giant Link
Alton National Cemetery rostrum built by the WPA in 1938 Link
Piasa Park Link
Ruins of the Alton Military Prison which housed Confederate Soldiers Link
Welcome to Historic Alton Illinois! Link
Lyman Trumbull Home, US Senator, wrote 13th Amendment to US Constitution Link
Lincoln Douglas Square Link
Alton National Cemetery, Union Soldiers graves Link
Confederate Monument in the Confederate Cemetery, Alton Illinois Link
Historic Alton Illinois Streetview Link
Historic Beall Mansion House Link
Ruins of the Alton Military Prison, built 1830 Link
The Alton Museum of History and Art Link
Streetview of Historic Alton Illiniois Link
Alton Illinois Visitor Center Link