Robert Pershing Wadlow Statue

Robert Pershing Wadlow Statue
Other
2810, College Avenue
Alton Illinois 62002

Information

The statue is open daily as it is an outdoor public monument, it is viewable at all times.
800-258-6645
lat: 38.9041804 long: -90.1436114

Robert Pershing Wadlow was world renowned for his whopping height at 8’11.1″. Born in Alton in 1918, he was known as the boy who never stopped growing. Records indicate that the “gentle giant” was 6’2 by his eighth birthday. By adulthood, his life was pretty difficult compared to the average sized person. He had to purchase immensely large clothing, bedding, and shoes. He spent a fortune on his shoes- $100 a pair. Today that equates to nearly two-thousand dollars. 

So what was the cause of his enhanced growth? According to doctors, he had an overactive pituitary gland which produced far too much human growth hormone. Unfortunately, there was no remedy at the time; so, he was never able to be treated. However, like the Altonian he was, Robert made the best of the cards he was the dealt. 

Luckily for Robert, his height allowed him to become a sort of travel-marketer for the international shoe company. After notching 300,000 miles, 41 states, and 800 towns, Robert was something of a celebrity. Tragically, because of his extremely calloused feet from a lifetime of shoe issues he had no little feeling in his feet. This ultimately led to the giant’s demise as he formed blisters at an event in Michigan that later became infected and prematurely ended his life. However, the legend of  Robert Pershing Wadlow is well-maintained by the Alton Museum of History & Art as well as the greater Alton community where a statue still stands on College avenue. 

Aside from the exhibit at the museum, there exists a great statue of the Gentle Giant in Alton, right across the street. You can even sit in a bronze chair made to show visitors how big his seats had to be!

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

The Alton Museum of History and Art
The Alton Museum of History and Art

Alton Museum of History & Art, Inc., College Avenue, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 0.10 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Great Rivers Tap and Grill
Great Rivers Tap and Grill

Great Rivers Tap & Grill, College Avenue, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 0.69 Away

Food and Drinks

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Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

The Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, East 5th Street, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 1.56 Away

Other

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Historic Middletown District
Historic Middletown District

Henry Street, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 1.78 Away

Cultural Districts

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The Duke Bakery
The Duke Bakery

819 Henry Street, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Distance: 1.85 Away

Food and Drinks Bakeries

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Beall Mansion B&B
Beall Mansion B&B

BEALL MANSION An Elegant Bed and Breakfast Inn, 407 East 12th Street, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 1.98 Away

Lodging

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The Old Bakery Beer Company
The Old Bakery Beer Company

The Old Bakery Beer Company, Landmarks Boulevard, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 2.23 Away

Food and Drinks Breweries and Distilleries

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Country Meadows Antiques
Country Meadows Antiques

401 East Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Distance: 2.24 Away

Shopping

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Mississippi Mud Pottery
Mississippi Mud Pottery

Mississippi Mud Pottery, East Broadway, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 2.26 Away

Galleries and Venues Shopping

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National Great Rivers Museum
National Great Rivers Museum

National Great Rivers Museum, Locks and Dam Way, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 2.33 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Alton Hauntings Tours
Alton Hauntings Tours

110 E 3rd St, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 2.34 Away

Guided Tours Other

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Tony’s Steakhouse
Tony’s Steakhouse

Tony's Steakhouse and Bar, West 9th Street, Alton, IL, USA
Distance: 2.35 Away

Food and Drinks

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