Famous for the picturesque limestone bluffs to the north of the city, Alton, Illinois, is probably one of the most interesting cities that most people haven’t heard of. It is steeped in rich history, and unearthed ruins show that the area was part of Mayan and Incan land for centuries before settlers arrived. Once European royalty sent ships to the New World searching for resources, surprised Natives first fought with, but soon began trading with the new arrivals.
In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet floated past the bluffs, noticing two different murals of a strange monster, a native mythical creature the Piasa bird, painted on the bluffs. Years later, the region was used as a French fur trading post, and in 1783 became part of the United States when the Treaty of Paris extended the American boundary. Many homes were equipped with tunnels and hidden spaces, providing a haven for escaped slaves headed for new lives along the Underground Railroad. It was an influential location during the Civil War, said to be where the first “armed skirmish” took place, which was the murder of an abolitionist newspaper publisher by a pro-slavery mob. The former prison here once held almost 12,000 Confederate prisoners of war.
Alton is nestled where the majestic Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers meet, with the Confluence Tower monument and observatory providing visitors with a unique, beautiful overview of the region. Travelers of all ages can take in the sights from the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, which runs along the cities’ riverfront. This location also marks the beginning of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, an official mission given by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Right over the Missouri River is the Audubon Center at Riverlands, known for being one of the best places in the world to birdwatch. Adjacent to that is Jones-Confluence Point State Park, where people can observe the actual meeting point of the Mississippi and
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city became a hub of manufacturing and heavy industry, with many companies such as the Owens-Illinois Glass Bottle Works and Alton Box Board Company driving the cities’ economy. By the middle of the 20th century, a restructuring saw Alton building vacation retreats and becoming a popular tourist destination.
One thing that seems to bring many people to Alton is its reputation as the most haunted small town in the country. Groups of ghost hunters walking the streets at night are common, and several historical locations are considered extremely haunted, such as the Milton School, The First Unitarian Church, and the Milton School. Are you brave enough to try to get in touch with some 400-year-old spirits?
Though this small city of under 28,000 is considered haunted, ghosts and spirits aren’t the only thing roaming the streets and otherwise causing problems. Local wildlife love to sneak into your home and haunt your crawlspaces, garages, and sheds, but they’re easier to notice than otherworldly specters. If you live in Alton or the surrounding areas and pest and wildlife has been causing you unending stress, it’s time to call in the pros from Veteran’s Pride Wildlife Control. With over 25 years of industry experience, we’ll do everything possible to rid your property of those pesky critters.
Contact us today for an estimate.