Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Robert Pershing Wadlow
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 15, 2019
1. Robert Pershing Wadlow Marker
Robert Pershing Wadlow, Alton's gentleman giant, was born February 22, 1918. He lived most of his life in Alton, where he attended Alton High School and Shurtleff College, now the campus of S.I.U.E. Dental School. At age five, Robert was 5'6" tall and wore clothes that would fit a 17 year old, and by age 10 Robert was 6'5" tall and weighed over 200 pounds. Robert was the largest boy scout in the world; at age 13 he was 7'4". Robert was the tallest man who ever lived. Upon his death on July 15, 1940, he was 8'11.1" tall and weighed 490 pounds.
Robert Wadlow was a significant part of the history of Alton. He was a well-traveled ambassador for our city. Active in community and religious organizations, he was known for his positive attitude and gentle manner.
This statue was erected by Alton-Godfrey Rotary, Alton Area Optimist, Junior League of Greater Alton, Olin Foundation, Alton-Wood River Board of Realtors, Upper Alton Business Association and those who cherish Robert's Memory.
Erected 1985.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic
this page online
Location. 38° 54.252′ N, 90° 8.616′ W. Marker is in Alton, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is located directly behind the Robert Wadlow Statue, which is located across from the Alton Museum of History and Art. The statue can be seen facing the road, which is Illinois Highway 140 (College Avenue). Parking is located not far from behind the statue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alton IL 62002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Mason Peck (within shouting distance of this marker); College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Old Rock House (approx. 0.2 miles away); College Avenue Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elijah Parish Lovejoy (approx. 0.2 miles away); A National Cemetery System (approx. 1.4 miles away); Alton National Cemetery (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Cost of Freedom (approx. 1.4 miles away); a different marker also named Elijah Parish Lovejoy (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 15, 2019
2. Robert Pershing Wadlow Staue
Marker can be seen behind the statue
More about this marker. The group or organization behind the marker is unknown.
Regarding Robert Pershing Wadlow. Robert Wadlow continues to be the World's Tallest Person in recorded history, for whom there is irrefutable evidence. It is stated on the Guinness World Records' website (link below). Wadlow is buried at Oakwood Cemetery, which is also known as Upper Alton Cemetery.
Photographed By Guinness World Records, Unknown
3. Robert Wadlow: Tallest man ever
Guinness World Records entry:
(Submitted on September 25, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
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(Submitted on September 25, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 263 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 25, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on November 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
