World's Tallest Man Statue

Alton’s history stands tall with monumental moments, but there are none taller than Alton’s very own “Gentle Giant” – Robert Wadlow.  Like most first-time parents, Harold and Addie Wadlow eagerly awaited the birth of their first child.  On February 22, 1918, in a little five-room cottage on Monroe St., Robert Wadlow was born, weighing an average eight pounds, six ounces.  Though Robert was not your average infant, by the time he was six months old he weighed nearly 30 pounds.  By 18 months, he had reached 67 pounds. Robert Wadlow will also be remembered as Alton’s “Gentle Giant.”  He was shy, friendly, respectable and tall in character.  Today, you can see how you measure up to Wadlow at his life-size statue located on College Avenue.  Robert is still on record as the World’s Tallest Man.  In addition to the statue, you can sit in a bronze replica of a chair especially made for Waldow.