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Alton, IL

Frequently asked questions

Alton, IL

Alton is a city on the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois, United States, about 18 miles (29 km) north of St. Louis, Missouri. It is a part of the River Bend area in the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. It is famous for its limestone bluffs along the river north of the city, as the former location of the state penitentiary, and for its role preceding and during the American Civil War. It was the site of the last Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debate in October 1858. The former state penitentiary in Alton was used during the Civil War to hold up to 12,000 Confederate prisoners of war. Also, the tallest man in history, Robert Wadlow, was born and raised in Alton.

Although Alton once was growing faster than the nearby city of St. Louis, a coalition of St. Louis businessmen planned to build a competing town to stop Alton's expansion and bring business to St. Louis. The resulting town was Grafton, Illinois.

Alton is located on the Mississippi River above the mouth of the Missouri River. Most of Alton is located on bluffs overlooking the river valley. The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway runs along the Alton riverfront. A monument and observatory tower, Confluence Tower, located next to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in neighboring Hartford, IL, has been constructed to provide an overview of the Great Rivers area. This point also marks the beginning of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. Also on the river at Alton is Lock and Dam 26, the newest and busiest lock and dam complex on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Adjacent to it on the Illinois side is the National Great Rivers Museum  [Wikidata], which features tours of the dam itself several times per day. On the Missouri side is the Audubon Center at Riverlands, which is one of the best places in the world to view birds, as it lies near where the Mississippi Flyway merges the flight paths of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers. Also adjacent to the Audubon Center is the Jones-Confluence Point State Park, where one can stand at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

According to the 2010 census, Alton has a total area of 16.736 square miles (43.35 km²), of which 15.47 square miles (40.07 km²) (or 92.44%) is land and 1.266 square miles (3.28 km²) (or 7.56%) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Alton, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. Alton Memorial Hospital, part of the BJC HealthCare network, serves as a cornerstone of the city's healthcare system, offering a range of medical services and advanced facilities. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Alton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Alton Family Martial Arts & Fitness, East Alton Illinois Gym and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Alton, such as the Deer Trail Loop and Frog Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Alton, IL are Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Alton Museum of History and Art, and Great Rivers Scenic Byway.

Population: 25,006 (2023). ZIP code: 62002. Area code: 618. Elevation: 535 ft (163 m). Area: 16.95 sq mi (43.90 km²).

FAQs

What is Alton, IL known for?

Alton has been telling its story in hundreds of ways over its nearly 200 year lifetime. It was home to the world's tallest man--Robert Wadlow and the Piasa--legendary man-eating bird. It was also the site of Abraham Lincoln's one and only duel.

Is Alton, IL a city or town?

Founded in 1837, Alton is a city that is very rich in history and has a lot to offer. We have beautiful parks, a great school district, attractions, and events to interest everyone. There are two golf courses, tennis courts at two of our 19 parks, and a gorgeous marina.

Is Alton, IL a good place to live?

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Alton, IL is a charming historic town that offers an affordable cost of living and a diverse economy. With major companies like Anheuser-Busch and Boeing in the area, Alton has seen a positive job market growth and an uptick in property values. As a result, the Alton IL real estate market has become increasingly attractive for investment properties and residential buyers alike. The unique blend of cultural attractions, quality education, and scenic surroundings make Alton’s neighborhoods the perfect location for property investment.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Alton

Alton Memorial Hospital

BJC HealthCare

Alton Parks and Recreation Department 

Alton Family Martial Arts & Fitness

East Alton Illinois Gym 

Planet Fitness

Deer Trail Loop 

Frog Trail

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Alton Museum of History and Art

Great Rivers Scenic Byway

Rivers and Routes

Ark7

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