Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

The Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument is a granite structure with a 110-foot (33-meter) central spire topped by a winged bronze figure. Two side shafts with bronze eagles flank the main spire, giving the entire composition a balanced, symmetrical appearance.

The monument was built in 1897 to honor newspaper editor Elijah P. Lovejoy. He was killed in 1837 while defending his printing press from attackers who opposed the paper's abolitionist views.

The memorial displays bronze reliefs showing Lovejoy's life and struggle for press freedom on all four sides of its base. These depictions tell the story of a man who stood up for his beliefs.

The memorial sits in Alton Cemetery on Monument Avenue and is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset year-round. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground around the structure can be uneven, especially during wet weather.

The memorial features a stone whispering wall where visitors can hear sounds from the opposite side through a curved bench structure. This acoustic detail often surprises people and offers an interactive experience that many passersby overlook.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 38.89016,-90.16590

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00