Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William L. Beatty
1925-2001
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 3, 2023
1. William L. Beatty Marker
This building is named in recognition of United States District Judge William L. Beatty, who presided here from October 1979 through May 1991. He served as District Judge in the Southern District of Illinois from 1979 to 2001, presiding the last ten years in East St. Louis.
An intelligent and masterful jurist, Judge Beatty will always be remembered for his humility as well. He received all lawyers and litigants, both civil and criminal, with the type of respect, deference and kindness ordinarily reserved for a friend.
The motion calls that Judge Beatty presided over in this building are the subject of legend. More often resembling meetings of the bar, they were populated by the pre-eminent trial lawyers of the area, as well as attorneys from around the nation. Judge Beatty, the arbiter of the motions in dispute, sat at a table, not the lofty bench, as he dispensed justice.
In all matters before Judge Beatty, winners and losers left knowing that they had been treated fairly and with respect after having a full opportunity to have their day in court. Not everyone could leave happy, but all left grateful for the process.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1991.
Location. 38° 53.59′ N, 90°
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alton & Sangamon Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hayner Public Library District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Miles Davis (about 800 feet away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Setting the Stage for the Great Debate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Godfrey, Gilman & Co. Warehouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Alton Military Prison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prisoners at Alton Military Prison (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.
Also see . . . William L. Beatty on Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 3, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 3, 2023
2. William L. Beatty Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
