Alton, Illinois

Alton, Illinois. Located in Madison County, Illinois, Alton is situated near the Mississippi River and is part of the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area, which includes St. Charles, Missouri, Chesterfield, Missouri, and Belleville, Illinois. The city is close to several notable landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, and Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. Alton is also near the Jersey County, Illinois and Calhoun County, Illinois borders, and is accessible via Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 67.

Geography

Alton is nestled in the American Bottom region, near the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River, which is also close to the Missouri River. The city's geography is characterized by its location on the Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi River and passes through nearby Grafton, Illinois and Hannibal, Missouri. Alton's terrain is also marked by its proximity to the Pere Marquette State Park, which is located near Grafton, Illinois, and the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, which is situated near Brussels, Illinois. The city's climate is influenced by its location in the Midwestern United States, with nearby cities including Springfield, Illinois, Quincy, Illinois, and Columbia, Missouri.

History

The area that is now Alton was first settled by European-Americans in the early 19th century, with the city being officially founded in 1837 by General James Semple. During the American Civil War, Alton was a key location for the Union Army, with the city being home to the Alton Prison, which held Confederate States of America prisoners. The city is also notable for its connection to the Underground Railroad, with nearby Quincy, Illinois and Hannibal, Missouri also playing important roles in the network. Alton is also close to the Vicksburg National Military Park, which commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Ulysses S. Grant Home, which is located in Galena, Illinois.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Alton had a population of approximately 25,000 people, with the city being part of the larger St. Louis metropolitan area, which includes St. Louis County, Missouri, St. Charles County, Missouri, and Jefferson County, Missouri. The city's population is diverse, with nearby cities including East St. Louis, Illinois, Belleville, Illinois, and Collinsville, Illinois. Alton is also close to several institutions of higher education, including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lewis and Clark Community College, and St. Louis University.

Economy

The economy of Alton is driven by a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to several major employers, including OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center, Alton Memorial Hospital, and Argosy Casino Alton. Alton is also close to several major transportation hubs, including Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, St. Louis Downtown Airport, and America's Central Port. The city's economy is also influenced by its location near the Mississippi River, with nearby cities including Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Paducah, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Education

Alton is served by Alton Community Unit School District 11, which operates several schools in the city, including Alton High School, Alton Middle School, and East Elementary School. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, including Lewis and Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Alton is close to several other colleges and universities, including St. Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Culture

Alton is known for its rich cultural scene, with the city being home to several museums, including the Alton Museum of History and Art, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, and National Great Rivers Museum. The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Alton Halloween Parade, Alton Riverfront Amphitheater Concert Series, and Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway. Alton is close to several other cultural attractions, including the Gateway Arch, City Museum, and Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which are located in nearby St. Louis, Missouri. The city is also near the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Cahokia, Illinois. Category:Cities in Illinois