Robert Wadlow

Location Description

East side of the city. Hwy 3 exit onto Hwy 140/College Ave. Drive west about a mile. Turn right at the stop sign onto Seminary St., then right again to the parking lot.

Bio

Robert Pershing Wadlow was born in Alton on February 22, 1918, a normal-sized baby, but his perky pituitary gland soon caused abnormal growth. At 13 years old, already measuring 7’4″, he was declared the world’s tallest Boy Scout. He continued growing, eventually reaching a height of 8’11.1″.

Monument Description

A bronze statue of Wadlow, life-size and sculpted by Edward Englehardt Giberson, was unveiled at the SIU Dental School in Alton where Wadlow attended classes. The statue serves as a silent source of inspiration for those with big aspirations. In 2001, the house where Wadlow was born was relocated to a spot behind the statue and, in 2002, a replica of his custom-made chair was placed next to it.

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