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Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio - Oak Park

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...

250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park

Haskell Park  •  Jul 01 @ 4PM

Kick off opening night of 250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park on July 1! Enjoy a giant birthday cake, eating contests, live music, food trucks,…

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250 on the Mississippi at Rotary Park

Alton Godfrey Rotary Park  •  Jul 02 @ 4PM

Keep the celebration going at Alton Godfrey Rotary Park with live music by American Jackals, food trucks, stilt walkers, kids activities, and festive fun for the…

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250 on the Mississippi - Downtown Alton

Alton Amphitheater  •  Jul 03 @ 5PM

Celebrate the grand finale of 250 on the Mississippi at the Alton Amphitheater with live music, lawn games, food trucks, and the Alton Fireworks Spectacular!

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