Robert Wadlow, the World's Tallest Man

Robert Wadlow - The World's Tallest Man

Alton’s history stands tall with monumental moments, but there are none taller than Alton’s very own “Gentle Giant” – Robert Wadlow.

Robert Wadlow, known as the Alton Giant or the Gentle Giant, remains the tallest human ever recorded. Standing at an astonishing 8 feet 11.1 inches at the time of his last measurement in June 1940, his extraordinary life continues to captivate visitors to his hometown of Alton, Illinois.

About Robert Wadlow

Born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Robert Pershing Wadlow grew rapidly from a young age. By age 8, he was already taller than many adults at 6 feet. His remarkable growth stemmed from a medical condition, hypertrophy of the pituitary gland, which led to the overproduction of growth hormone, a condition known as gigantism.

Despite his size, Robert participated in many normal childhood activities. His community accommodated him with custom desks and clothing, though everyday life required constant adjustments.

Medical Background

Robert’s condition caused his body to grow continuously throughout his short life. He required leg braces to walk and had little feeling in his legs and feet. His shoe size, 37 AA, remains the largest ever recorded, with each shoe measuring over 18 inches long. His hands, measuring 12.75 inches from wrist to fingertip, were also the largest in history.

Public Life and Career

Wadlow’s incredible stature drew attention nationwide. He toured briefly with the Ringling Bros. Circus. Robert’s family had always been against making him a circus attraction, but financial hardship may have accounted for the difficult decision. Later, he worked as a promoter for the International Shoe Company, traveling the country as a symbol of resilience and charm. Everywhere he went, he was affectionately called the Gentle Giant for his kind personality and calm demeanor.

Final Years and Death

By 1940, Robert had reached 8 feet 11.1 inches tall and weighed around 490 pounds. In July of that year, while on a professional appearance in Michigan, he developed a blister caused by his leg brace. The wound became infected, and despite medical attention, he passed away on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22.

His funeral was a major public event. More than 40,000 people came through the funeral home day and night for two days straight, sometimes waiting in lines nearly three blocks long. 10,000 people attended the funeral services. All the businesses in Alton were closed for the funeral, and it is said that license plates from more than 36 states could be seen at the site.

Robert was buried in a 1,000-pound custom coffin, carried by 12 pallbearers and eight assistants, and laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton.

Legacy in Alton

Robert’s memory lives on in Alton. Visitors can see a life-size statue and a bronze armchair at the Alton Museum of History & Art and along College Avenue. These landmarks allow guests to stand beside Robert’s likeness and experience the scale of his remarkable height.

The city proudly embraces its connection to the tallest man in history, with Robert’s story continuing to inspire curiosity, compassion, and wonder.

Robert Wadlow Fun Facts

  • At the time of his death, Robert measured 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72 m) tall.
  • His shoe size was 37 AA, the largest ever recorded.
  • He had the largest hands in history, measuring 12.75 inches (32.3 cm) from wrist to fingertip.
  • He consumed approximately 8,000 calories a day to sustain his massive frame.
  • Around the world, he was fondly known as the Gentle Giant
  • At the movie theater, Robert usually had to sit in the back row. The theater in Alton made a special space for Robert in the front. He used five seats total – one to sit on, one for his left arm, one for his right, with his legs extended over the remaining two seats in front of him.

Plan Your Visit

When visiting, make Alton a stop to learn more about Robert Wadlow. Explore the statue, museum exhibits, and local sites that keep the Gentle Giant’s story alive.

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About the Author

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau is the state-certified regional Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMO)-501C6, which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun, and Greene counties, and the City of East St. Louis in St. Clair County in southwest Illinois. Founded in 1985 as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau transitioned to Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018 as the size and scope of the organization grew.