Alton, Illinois: Ruins of Civil War Military Prison
A small corner of a formerly large, rock-walled prison was so historically important that it was moved across the street to make way for a parking lot.
- Address:
- 214 William St., Alton, IL
- Directions:
- West edge of town, on the west side of William St. a half-block north of OH-100/W. Broadway.
Visitor Tips and News About Ruins of Civil War Military Prison
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
This site is really strange. Limestone blocks made up a corner wall of the first Illinois State Penitentiary opened in 1833. During the Civil War it became a military prison housing Confederate POWs and Southern sympathizers.
After the war the prison was demolished (except for this small corner) and the vacant space was turned into "Uncle Remus Park." And this isn't even where the prison was located. The blocks were moved and the wall was rebuilt in 1970 when a local corporation turned the original site across the street into a parking lot.
There is also a sign on site explaining that abolitionist newspaper publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy was killed in a warehouse here, defending his press against a pro-slavery mob. There's just a whole lot going on.
[Mike Gassmann, 09/17/2019]Nearby Offbeat Places
Miles Davis Statue, Alton, IL - < 1 mi.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Statues, Alton, IL - < 1 mi.
Smallpox Island Memorial, West Alton, MO - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
