Robert Wadlow

Robert Wadlow was born in Alton, Illinois in 1918. By the time he was five, he was five-and-a-half feet tall. At 13, he became the world’s tallest Boy Scout — 7’4″. His shoes, which were size 37, were provided free by the International Shoe Company. Robert and his father toured the country in a modified car, making appearances for the company. He had very little feeling in his feet and died at the age of 22 from an infection from a blister. He was 8’11.1″ at the time and weighed 490 pounds.

In 1985, Alton erected a life-size statue of Robert Wadlow.

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Near the statue is a life-size reproduction of the chair specially made for Robert by the Galax Furniture Company.

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