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Photo: Pop Piasa, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Alton Museum of History and Art, sometimes known as the Robert Wadlow Museum, in Alton, Illinois was founded in 1971 as a not for profit organization. It is located in Loomis Hall, named for Rev. Hubbel Loomis, on the grounds of the former Rock Spring Alton Baptist Seminary established by missionary John Mason Peck, later renamed Shurtleff College, and presently the home of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. The building, which has Underground Railroad history, was constructed as the original chapel/classroom of the seminary c.1820 and the sanctuary was modified in the early 1900s to be a two-story building with a rear classroom and laboratory addition. The building is the state's second oldest remaining college building.
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A life-size statue of Alton native Robert Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived. He measured 8'11" when he died in 1940 at age 22 from a foot infection.
Tour this 3-story turn of the century mansion that was built as a wedding gift. Thirty to forty-five minute narrated tours of the history, architecture and furnishings. Located in the Middletown Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are by appointment.
The story of the Mississippi River and its impact on America, from prehistoric times to today, is told here. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Three times a day, you can tour the giant Melvin Price Locks and Dam which span the Mississippi, and watch barges and boats rise or fall in the locks to continue their trip along the river.