Robert Wadlow
Robert Wadlow statue location:
2800 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002
Robert Pershing Wadlow, fondly remembered as Alton's "Gentle Giant", is the tallest man in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. At his death in 1940, at the age of 22, his height was measured at 8'11.1"! He was born in 1917 in Alton, Illinois as an averaged sized baby. But by 6 months old, his parents knew that he was not going to stay an average size! By eight years of age he had already grown to the height of 6'2" tall. His large size was attributed to having an over-active pituitary gland which was producing above average amounts of human growth hormone. When he was 19 he was asked to go on a promotional tour for the International Shoe Company because of his shoe size, size 37! Unfortunately, his size and height created problems for Robert. He needed leg braces and a cane to help him walk and stand. While on his promotional tour, he got a blister which became seriously infected. The infection spread to his blood and caused his death in 1940. A life-sized bronze statue of Robert Pershing Wadlow was erected in Alton in 1985. The Alton Museum of History and Art, located across the street from the statue, has a permanent Robert Wadlow exhibit on display.
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 A life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow-the Alton Giant |
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