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Shedd Aquarium

Western Military Academy Monument

2009 Seminary Ave, Alton, IL 62002

Historic Sites

Originally founded as Wyman Institute by Edward Wyman in 1878, it was reorganized as Western Military Academy in 1896.

A fire destroyed the original school building in 1903, but by later that year the present buildings were erected. The architecture is English with battlement parapets. The buildings are constructed of broken ashlan stonework up to the first story windowsills, and above that the walls are built of paving brick trimmed with Bedford stone. The military school was disbanded in the early 1970s. The Mississippi Valley Christian School opened in 1974. The story of the 92-year history of Western Military Academy is engraved on a beautiful monument at the gate of the former academy in Upper Alton.

What's happening nearby...

Mississippi River Festival

Alton Amphitheater •  Jun 27 – Jun 28 @ 6PM

The Mississippi River Festival brings tunes back to the Alton Amphitheater for its 2nd year along the Mighty Mississippi June 27 & 28, 2025!

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Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Race

Alton Riverfront Park •  Jul 18 – Jul 20 @ 2PM

Alton, get ready! The F1 Powerboat Championship is making waves once again as the 2nd Annual Alton Midwest Nationals returns to Riverfront Park July 18 -…

Read more about Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Race

Alton Rock the Hops

Downtown Alton •  Aug 09 @ 2PM

Get ready to rock out in Downtown Alton for Rock the Hops 2025, where music, art, and craft beer collide for an electrifying celebration of creative…

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