Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy
Abolitionist newspaper publisher killed by a pro-slavery mob in 1837.
Welcome to Alton City Cemetery
Remembering lives.
Preserving our history.
A place of remembrance, heritage, and reflection.
Part of the Riverbend’s story since 1835.
Generations of stories. One shared place.
You are welcome here
Plan a visit.
Rooted in the Riverbend
A history written
in lives.
Since 1835, Alton Cemetery has been a resting place for people from every walk of life.
Generations of families, formerly enslaved people, immigrants, public servants, and business leaders are remembered here. Their stories are part of the story of Alton itself.
Incorporated in 1835, the cemetery remains active for burials, though it is primarily at capacity. Today, care for the grounds goes hand in hand with preserving the lives and history of the Riverbend.
Ask about burial information
1835
A place of remembrance.
A shared responsibility.
Among the lives remembered here
Researching family history?Col. Stephen Long
Explorer, surveyor, cartographer, and U.S. Army topographical engineer.
Capt. Arnold Cisco
& Second Lt. George Cisco
Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
Franklin W. Olin
Founder of the Western Cartridge Company.
Key features
Places that hold
our stories.
Discover the architecture, monuments, and distinct historic places within the cemetery grounds.
01 / Architectural heritageGrandview
Grandview
Mausoleum
1912Organized1951Entrusted to Alton Cemetery
A legacy worth caring for
Beauty in every detail.
History in every stone.
Organized in 1912 by a private corporation, Grandview Mausoleum was given to Alton Cemetery in 1951. Its marble walls, mosaic tile floors, and stained glass make it a distinctive part of the cemetery’s architectural heritage.
Dedicated preservation and restoration work continues to care for this remarkable place and the lives it commemorates.
Support preservation
02 / A voice for freedom
Elijah P. Lovejoy
Monument
The state memorial honors the abolitionist editor who was killed in Alton on November 7, 1837, while defending his printing press. Lovejoy’s grave is located nearby within Alton Cemetery.
Dedicated in 1897, the memorial pairs a soaring granite shaft with a bronze winged figure and eagle-topped side columns. At 110 feet tall, it is described in the cemetery’s history as the tallest monument in Illinois.
Explore the state memorial (opens in a new tab)1897Dedicated to remembrance
and the freedom of the press.
and the freedom of the press.
03 / A distinct federal cemetery
Alton National
Cemetery
Alton Cemetery and Alton National Cemetery are separate cemeteries.
The federal plot on these grounds began as a soldiers’ lot for Union soldiers who died in Alton’s military hospital and aboard riverboats during the Civil War. The U.S. Army took title to the land in 1940; it was designated a national cemetery in 1948.
Today it is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Questions about veterans, their spouses, eligibility, or burial in this separate federal section should go directly to the VA.
Visit the VA cemetery website (opens in a new tab)Photo gallery
A closer look.
Historic views of the Lovejoy Monument and its sculptural details. Select a photograph to explore.
Photographs by Kazvorpal: monument and lion detail, CC BY-SA 3.0. Originals retained; thumbnails cropped for display.
Get involved
History lives on
through people like you.
From caring for a headstone to sharing a family story, there is a place for you in the preservation of Alton Cemetery.
Friends of Alton Cemetery
Many hands.
A lasting difference.
Alongside the Board of Trustees, community volunteers help preserve this place for future generations. Friends of Alton Cemetery brings people together to care for the grounds and share the stories found here.
Ask about volunteering01
Headstone preservation
Help with organized headstone cleaning and repair efforts.
02
Care for the grounds
Join volunteers maintaining the cemetery’s historic landscape.
03
Share the stories
Support community events and activities that bring local history to life.
Community stewardship
Cemetery Board
The Annual Lot Owners Association and volunteer Board of Trustees oversee daily care and preservation. Their work connects Alton’s history with the community through preservation groups, Vintage Voices, and other events.
Officers
- Kerry MillerPresident
- Jeffrey WeberVice President
- Sarah WoodmanSecretary
- Demetra AlmonroederTreasurer
Trustees & staff
- Stephen Thompson
- Betsy Allen
- Ed Gray
- Irene McLaughlin
- George S. Milnor II
- John Lindsey
- Donald J. Huber — Sexton
- Margaret Hopkins
- Fr. Garron Daniels
Director Emeritus Steve Cousley
Support & giving
Help care for
what comes after us.
Your generosity helps preserve a place that belongs to the story of the whole community.
As a not-for-profit organization, Alton Cemetery welcomes gifts and bequests for general beautification, perpetual care, and special preservation projects, including the ongoing restoration of Grandview Mausoleum.
Giving by check
Please make checks payable to Alton Cemetery. Contact the office to discuss your gift, a special purpose, or a bequest.
Burial plot information
Here to help you
find your next step.
Alton Cemetery is still an active cemetery accepting burials, while primarily at capacity. Please contact the office to discuss current availability, an existing family lot, or arrangements.
For family history questions, include the name of the person you are researching and any dates or family details you already know.
Contact the cemetery officeBefore you arrive
Historic grounds.
A little planning helps.
Some terrain may be difficult or inaccessible. Most paths are paved, and many historic routes have been repaved, but roads can be narrow and challenging to walk.
Motorized scooters and service animals are welcome. Call the office if you would like to discuss your route before visiting.
Call 618-462-1617Contact Alton Cemetery
Every question
starts a conversation.
Planning a visit, researching family history, or interested in volunteering? The cemetery office can help you find your next step.
Visitor entrance
Vine Street / 1205 E. 5th St.Alton, IL 62002
Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Find your way here.
Use the Vine Street entrance for Alton Cemetery.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Send a message
How can we help?
For help today, call 618-462-1617. Online inquiries will be available soon.
Part of the Riverbend. Here for its people.
Welcoming families, descendants, and visitors from Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, Wood River, East Alton, Grafton, Jerseyville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and the greater Riverbend region.