In its early days, Alton was a bustling river town, much larger than Chicago.  Alton was built on industry - flour mills, quarries, brick making, pottery making - and relied on the Mississippi River.  The "Steamboat Era" played an important role of the growth of Alton, and riverboat traffic can still be seen from the riverfront up and down the Mighty Mississippi River. 

Today, Alton is truly one of America's great river towns.  It is filled with historic homes, great shops and diverse industry.  Abundant with historical figures and local legends, many threads of our nation's history can be discovered right here in Alton, Illinois.  Take the time to explore our many historic sites, including the National Great Rivers Museum, Alton Museum of History and Art, Robert Wadlow - the World's Tallest man, Lovejoy Monument, Lincoln-Douglas Square, the Alton Prison, Confederate Monument and the legendary Piasa Bird.