Western Military Academy Monument
2009 Seminary Ave, Alton, IL 62002
Historic Sites
Originally founded as Wyman Institute by Edward Wyman in 1878, it was reorganized as Western Military Academy in 1896.
A fire destroyed the original school building in 1903, but by later that year the present buildings were erected. The architecture is English with battlement parapets. The buildings are constructed of broken ashlan stonework up to the first story windowsills, and above that the walls are built of paving brick trimmed with Bedford stone. The military school was disbanded in the early 1970s. The Mississippi Valley Christian School opened in 1974. The story of the 92-year history of Western Military Academy is engraved on a beautiful monument at the gate of the former academy in Upper Alton.
Images
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!
Read more about Mississippi River Festival
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…
Read more about Alton Rock the HopsYou might also be interested...
Lincoln-Douglas Square
Alton
Stand the same ground once stood as Abraham Lincoln and Stephan A. Douglas near the Alton riverfront.
Read more about Lincoln-Douglas Square
Confederate Prison Site
Alton
Visit first Illinois State Penitentiary and learn about the ghastly history of the overcrowded, often disease-infested prison. Today, it is a monument dedicated to those who…
Read more about Confederate Prison Site
Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Alton
Visit the monument of an amazingly persistent and inspirational freedom fighter, Elijah P. Lovejoy.
Read more about Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument