Robert Wadlow, known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, was the tallest person in history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. Born in 1918 in Alton, Illinois, Robert Wadlow reached a height of 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72 m) at the time of his death in 1940. He had an unusually large head and hands and a shoe size of 25 (8E US).
Wadlow's growth was caused by a pituitary gland tumor that resulted in excessive production of growth hormone. Despite his enormous size, he was known to be a gentle and kind-hearted person. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, appearing in circuses and vaudeville shows. Wadlow also used his fame to raise money for various charitable organizations.
Sadly, Wadlow died at the age of 22 from a streptococcal infection that started in a blister on his ankle. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Alton, where his grave is marked with a 9-foot-tall (2.7 m) granite obelisk.
Robert Wadlow's extraordinary height and gentle nature made him a beloved figure, and he remains an iconic symbol of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.