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Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

Alton Cemetery at Monument Ave., Alton, IL 62002

Historic Sites

Visit the monument of an amazingly persistent and inspirational freedom fighter, Elijah P. Lovejoy.

This monument memorializes Elijah P. Lovejoy, whose work and death in Alton gave him a place in history for the abolition of slavery. During the slavery era, Elijah Lovejoy was a pastor who wrote anti-slavery editorials so controversial he became an object of hatred by slaveholders. Despite threats to his life, he continued his anti-slavery writings in the Alton Observer, even after three of his printing presses were thrown into the Mississippi River. It was this persistence that led an angry pro-slavery mob to attack and kill him in 1837.

What's happening nearby...

Mississippi River Festival

Alton Amphitheater •  Jun 27 – Jun 28 @ 6PM

The Mississippi River Festival brings tunes back to the Alton Amphitheater for its 2nd year along the Mighty Mississippi June 27 & 28, 2025!

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Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Race

Alton Riverfront Park •  Jul 18 – Jul 20 @ 2PM

Alton, get ready! The F1 Powerboat Championship is making waves once again as the 2nd Annual Alton Midwest Nationals returns to Riverfront Park July 18 -…

Read more about Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Race

Alton Rock the Hops

Downtown Alton •  Aug 09 @ 2PM

Get ready to rock out in Downtown Alton for Rock the Hops 2025, where music, art, and craft beer collide for an electrifying celebration of creative…

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