Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

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...

Christmas Wonderland

Nov 29 – Dec 27 @ 6PM

Begin your holiday celebration when you experience the enchantment of Christmas at the "Christmas Wonderland" holiday light display! The "Grandpa Gang" has been at it again…

Read more about Christmas Wonderland

You might also be interested...

Haskell Playhouse

Alton

A Victorian-style playhouse built for the daughter of Dr. William A. Haskell, a physician and one of the wealthiest residents of Alton, as a present for…

Read more about Haskell Playhouse

Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail

Alton

Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Civil War soldiers from both North and South.

Read more about Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail

Western Military Academy Monument

Alton

Originally founded as Wyman Institute by Edward Wyman in 1878, it was reorganized as Western Military Academy in 1896.

Read more about Western Military Academy Monument

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.