Welcome to the City of Alton, Illinois

Welcome to the website of the City of Alton Illinois!! Located 25 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri, Alton is full of history, recreational opportunities, and business prospects. Founded in 1837, Alton was the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, was born and raised in Alton. Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton. Alton is also considered one of the most haunted cities in America. Alton is home to the Jacoby Arts Center, the Alton Little Theater, the Alton’s Children’s Theater, three historic districts, the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, the Alton Marina, the Alton Amphitheater, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway, and a variety of other educational and recreational institutions.

Alton is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Alton’s 28,000 residents benefit from a cost of living below the national average and the protection of the Alton Police and Fire Departments. The Alton School District and several private and parochial schools provide a wonderful education to our children. Lewis and Clark Community College, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and the many colleges and universities in St. Louis make higher education accessible to residents of Alton. Large employers include the Alton School District, Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton Steel, Inc., American Water Company, Argosy Casino, Global Brass and Copper, Inc., Millers First Insurance Company, Olin Corporation, Riverbend Head Start & Community Services, and Saint Anthony’s Health Center. A variety of locally owned small businesses are also located in Alton. 

Please explore our website and learn more about our City. Meeting minutes and agendas, registration forms, business license information, information about our parks, and a host of other information can be found on our website. Our website is constantly updated, so please visit frequently.