According to a2zdirectory, Alton, Illinois is a small city located in the southwestern corner of the state, along the Mississippi River. It is situated approximately 25 miles northeast of St. Louis and lies within Madison County. The city covers a total area of 8.78 square miles and is home to approximately 26,000 people.
The geography of Alton is characterized by its flat terrain and easy access to the Mississippi River. The city sits on a broad floodplain that was formed by alluvial deposits from the river, making for fertile soil and a mild climate year-round. The downtown area is situated on a bluff overlooking the river and is home to many historic buildings and monuments, including its iconic Clark Bridge which spans over 1,000 feet across the Mississippi River into Missouri.
Alton’s landscape consists mainly of rolling hills covered with grasslands, interspersed with patches of deciduous trees such as oaks and maples. The city also has several parks scattered throughout its neighborhoods that provide recreational opportunities for residents such as hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields and basketball courts.
The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities as well with numerous riverside parks that offer camping sites along with fishing spots along the riverbanks or in one of its many lakes or streams. Additionally, there are several golf courses in town as well as nearby forests where visitors can enjoy hunting or bird watching activities in their natural habitat.
Alton’s proximity to St Louis provides easy access to urban amenities like shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues while still allowing for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a smaller city setting. With its unique combination of rural charm combined with modern convenience Alton makes an ideal place to call home for those who value both nature’s beauty as well as urban amenities close at hand.
History of Alton, Illinois
Alton, Illinois is a city located in the southwestern corner of the state along the Mississippi River. It is situated approximately 25 miles northeast of St. Louis and lies within Madison County. The city covers a total area of 8.78 square miles and is home to approximately 26,000 people.
The area around Alton was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes including the Illiniwek, Miami and Potawatomi people who utilized the land for hunting and fishing as well as trading with other tribes along the river. The first European settlers arrived in 1817 and established a small village near the current site of downtown Alton which was later incorporated as a city in 1837.
Alton quickly became an important port town due to its location at the confluence of three rivers: The Great River Road (Mississippi), Illinois, and Missouri Rivers. It was also used as an important stop on the Underground Railroad which provided safe passage for enslaved African Americans seeking freedom from bondage in slave states further south.
In 1852, Alton became known for its role in one of America’s most controversial debates when it served as the site for one of Abraham Lincoln’s famous debates against Stephen Douglas during their campaign for Senate seat from Illinois.
During World War II, Alton was home to two large ammunition manufacturing plants which supplied ammo to forces abroad while employing thousands of workers from around town who came to work at these factories during this time period. After World War II ended, many new industries moved into town creating jobs for local residents while also bringing new economic opportunities to Alton’s growing population.
Today, Alton continues to serve as an important economic hub within Madison County with several major employers such as Olin Corporation and Northwestern Steel & Wire Co., providing jobs for local residents while helping keep the economy strong throughout its surrounding communities. Additionally, its close proximity to St Louis provides easy access to urban amenities like shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues while still allowing for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a smaller city setting making it an ideal place to call home for those who value both nature’s beauty as well as urban amenities close at hand.
Economy of Alton, Illinois
Alton, Illinois has a varied and robust economy. Located at the confluence of three rivers, its strategic location has allowed it to become a major hub for trade and commerce throughout the region. Its close proximity to St. Louis also provides easy access to urban amenities like shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The city’s largest employers include Olin Corporation and Northwestern Steel & Wire Co., both of which provide thousands of local jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other industries. Additionally, Alton is home to numerous small businesses that provide goods and services to the community. These include locally-owned restaurants, clothing stores, auto shops, financial institutions, medical facilities, and much more.
Alton’s tourism industry is also very strong due to its proximity to St. Louis as well as its rich history. The city is home to several historic sites such as the Robert Wadlow Statue which commemorates Alton’s tallest resident who was 8 feet 11 inches tall when he died at age 22 in 1940; the Rock Springs Nature Center which offers educational programs about native plants and wildlife; as well as several museums dedicated to local history such as the Jacoby Arts Center which features rotating exhibits from local artists; or the National Great Rivers Museum which focuses on river ecology and navigation within the area.
The city also plays host to numerous events throughout the year such as music festivals like Blues & Brews on Broadway; art shows like Art on The Square; or foodie events like Taste Of Alton where visitors can sample dishes from over 20 different local restaurants all in one place!
Overall, Alton’s economy is strong with a diverse mix of industries that provide jobs for locals while also attracting tourists from near and far alike! With its rich history combined with modern amenities like shopping centers, entertainment venues, restaurants and more; it is no wonder why so many people are drawn to this charming Midwestern town!
Politics in Alton, Illinois
Alton, Illinois is located in Madison County and has a population of 27,000. The city is governed by an elected mayor and twelve council members. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city government. The council members are elected from each of Alton’s four wards and serve two year terms.
The current Mayor of Alton is Brant Walker, who was first elected in 2015 and reelected in 2019. Mayor Walker has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality of life for Alton’s citizens including increasing public safety, revitalizing downtown businesses, improving access to recreation facilities, promoting economic development, and providing better housing options for low-income families.
At the state level, Alton is represented by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D) and State Representative Monica Bristow (D). Both Senator Crowe and Representative Bristow have taken steps to ensure that Alton residents have access to quality healthcare services through programs like Medicaid expansion and have worked to protect consumer rights regarding banking regulations. They have also been advocates for education reform initiatives like increasing school funding and improving teacher compensation packages.
At the federal level, Alton is represented by Congressman Rodney Davis (R) who serves on several Congressional committees including Energy & Commerce; Education & Labor; Transportation & Infrastructure; Veterans Affairs; Small Business; Agriculture; Judiciary; Ways & Means; Financial Services; Science Space & Technology as well as Natural Resources. Congressman Davis has been a vocal advocate for small business growth throughout his district as well as advocating for improved infrastructure investments such as expanding broadband internet access throughout rural areas within his district.
In conclusion, politics in Alton are quite diverse with both Democrats and Republicans working together towards common goals to improve the quality of life for its citizens while also looking out for their best interests at both the state and federal levels.