alton prison

poobecca

Went on a ghost tour and stopped here on the tour. Got great stories and haunted history from our tour guide

IA_Hawks

This is a nice piece of Alton's history dating back to the Civil War.There is a nice kiosk with vital information about the prison and it's history and only a small segment of the prison walls remain.A word of caution about this attraction..... the parking lot off of William Street is terrible so if you're riding a bike, motorcycle, or a low profile car be aware of the potholes and upheavals in the pavement.

Leone656

Some stones are still there, but when they tore it down, folks took the stones for their walls and walkways. It is interesting and use to take up the whole space to the bluff!

bglenn82

It's a small historic site, with only a reconstructed wall remaining on the site. There are very informative panels telling of the prison and it's history. As you drive around Alton, you will see many of the stones from when the prison was torn down, incorporated in the vintage homes and retaining walls. It is a solemn place and a little on the eerie side, as you think of the 10's of thousands of prisoners who came through this civil war era prison. To locate it, drive west across the main roads and you should see the large parking lot next to the historic wall and marker.

MargaretB354

Worth seeing for its historical value if in the area, but there is no need to make a special trip. All that is there are partial walls and a plaque.

ScottinSouthFlorida

Right next to downtown Alton and a half-block from the National Scenic Byway. Worth a quick 10-minute side trip.

hutchens74

The historical value is there but dont make a special trip to town for this site. It's just a small corner/wall left from the building.

75karena

Was so disappointed that the prison is no longer standing. Just a small wall of it that has been moved to it's current location. It was very hard to find.

autigerrealtor

The cost is free, so that is not the issue. It is just that when i first saw a photo from a city guide for Alton, it looked like it was going to be a large complex. The truth is that it is just a small partial wall remaining. There are some plaques with some historical info given. but this is a 2 to 3 minute trip at the most. Alton itself is a neat town - there is a square with lincoln/douglas debate statues, the piasa bird painted on a cliff wall, and the robert wadlow statue. Check these things out instead.

Cindyh549

This historic site offers an inspiring history of the civil war and the path of the underground railroad.

RonF_13

Its a wall. Actually, just part of a wall. The Wadlow statue is close by...almost makes it worth seeing. Just skip the Alton Prison, and have your picture taken with the tallest american ever.

1castletown

Don't go to Alton, IL just to see the remains of the Prison or you will leave thinking you drove to see just a pile of rocks. Go to the Alton history museum and plan a day to see the whole area. Once you know the history behind the Prison you'll view it differently and wonder what atrocities took place behind those rocks. After a good review of Alton's history you might want to see some of the historical homes and buildings that are still there. Visit the square where Abe Lincoln stood and debated Douglas. There are places for lunch and dinner all throug the town. And don't forget the beatiful drive up the river road to Grafton. Visit the area and make the Prison remains a part of it.