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World's Tallest Man LbNA #9935 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 3, 2004
Location:
City:Alton
County:Madison
State:Illinois
Boxes:1
Found by: Leapin' Lizards
Last found:Oct 28, 2004
Status:F
Last edited:Aug 3, 2004
STATUS: MISSING

World’s Tallest Man—Alton, IL

Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived, was born and buried in Alton, IL. Born in 1918, Robert was 5’6” when he entered kindergarten. At the time, there was no know cure for such an overactive pituitary gland. When he graduated high school, he was 8’3”. He kept growing. He toured with the International Shoe Company who made his size 37 ½ shoes. At age 22, a leg brace gave him an abrasion that became infected and led to his death. He was 8’11” tall and weighed 491 pounds.

To find the Robert Pershing Wadlow letterbox, simple find the lifesize bronze monument to “Alton’s Gentle Giant.” Ask any local to help you out. Now, look on the backside of the tree closest to Robert. At the base, you will see a break in the bark. Carefully covered with soil, you will find the letterbox within this break.

If the museum across the street is open, stop in to see a pair of Robert’s shoes.