Freedom to Equality Shuttle Tours
200 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002
Historic Sites
Discover the Underground Railroad, abolitionists, Civil Rights leaders and the legacy of Miles Davis along the breathtaking Mississippi River in Alton, IL.
Explore Black History in the historic Mississippi River community of Alton, IL on this new guided shuttle tour where stories and songs are used to bring the city’s history to life! Dive in to the past and learn about Alton’s significance on the Underground Railroad, discover the legendary abolitionists who fought against slavery and follow the stories of local Civil Rights leaders who made their mark on the city and the nation.
Sites Included on the Tour:
* Rocky Fork Church – located in the historic African American settlement of Rocky Fork and an Underground Railroad site. It is a verified Underground Railroad location.
* Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument – a martyr to the early abolitionist movement in the U.S.
* Union Baptist Church – Established in 1836 by ex-slaves and free Blacks, the church hosted a statewide colored convention in 1856.
* Miles Davis Statute – This is the only statue to the jazz legend in the North - American continent. Miles Davis was born in Alton, IL. The Statue was sculpted by artist Preston Jackson.
Important Information:
* This tour has steps and uneven terrain.
* The shuttle is not ADA accessible.
* All sales are final
Tours are available upon request. Contact Jared Hennings to schedule a tour: jaredhenn@yahoo.com or 618-920-9756.
What's happening nearby...
Alton Food Truck Festival
Alton Amphitheater • Aug 22 @ 4PM
Enjoy global street food, live music and riverfront views at the Alton Food Truck Festival! Sample favorites from food trucks across the region, plus drinks from…
Read more about Alton Food Truck Festival
Flotsam! River Circus in Alton
Lincoln Shields Recreation Area • Aug 25 @ 6:30PM
Flotsam! River Circus returns to Alton with a free, family-friendly performance featuring live music, circus acts, and giant puppets. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy…
Read more about Flotsam! River Circus in Alton
Alton Jazz & Wine Festival
Alton Amphitheater • Aug 29 @ 6PM
Celebrate the legacy of Alton native Miles Davis at the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 29! Enjoy live jazz, local wines, food vendors and…
Read more about Alton Jazz & Wine FestivalYou might also be interested...
Confederate Prison Site
Alton
Visit first Illinois State Penitentiary and learn about the ghastly history of the overcrowded, often disease-infested prison. Today, it is a monument dedicated to those who…
Read more about Confederate Prison SiteAlton's National Cemetery
Alton
Fought on American soil, the Civil War was the deadliest war in American history.
Read more about Alton's National Cemetery
McPike Mansion
Alton
When just about any native of the Alton area thinks of a haunted house, normally one name comes to mind - the infamous McPike Mansion.
Read more about McPike Mansion