The Robert Wadlow Statue stands out as a sculpture depicting a local man of giant proportions from the early 1900s. Rising to a height of 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 meters), he is considered by the Guinness Book of Records to be the tallest person who ever lived. Get a sense of the local legend’s height as you approach the statue.
Read the plaque on the platform beneath the sculpture’s feet, spelling out his full name, Robert Pershing Wadlow. Beneath this stands the dates of his lifespan, from 1918 to 1940. Admire the attention to detail in the sculpture, which has Wadlow in a large suit and walking cane. He appears to be smiling, with short, combed-back hair. Sit in the enormous chair next to the statue.
Consider the intriguing and sad history of Wadlow, who passed away at age 22 after getting an infected blister while traveling. Too tall for the local hospital, he had been treated on a hotel bed. It is thought an overactive pituitary gland led to his enormous size. His height earned him such nicknames as the Giant of Illinois and Alton’s Gentle Giant. Such was his popularity that thousands of mourners attended his funeral.
The bronze statue was erected in 1985. Sit at one of the many cement benches encircling the sculpture and contemplate his life. Note that the statue is in a public area that is free to access at all times. Find out more about the town’s past, with a trip across the street to the Alton Museum of History and Art.
The Robert Wadlow Statue stands in the northeastern corner of Alton, near the border between Illinois and Missouri. From the heart of St. Louis, drive north for 24 miles (39 kilometers) to get here in about 40 minutes. While you’re in the area, visit surrounding highlights such as the Pelican Island Natural Area, the Argosy Casino Alton and the Liberty Bank Amphitheater.
