A charming little city during the day, but when the sun goes down, things tend to go "bump" in the night.

What is the Most Haunted Small Town in America?

Legends of hauntings surround many small towns across the country, but there's a town in Illinois that takes the crown as the most haunted.  And good news if you're from the Evansville area, because you won't have to travel too far to see this place in person.  The town I'm talking about is Alton, Illinois, and it's located along the Mississippi River, about 25 miles north of St. Louis.

Alton is a Quaint City Rich in History

During the day, Alton is a quaint city with plenty of sights to see and things to do.  From gorgeous parks to enjoy to golf courses, and shopping, there is something for everyone.  But when the sun goes down, things are said to go "bump" in the night around Alton.  According to Alton's city website, it was founded in 1837, and has a rich history, including being the birthplace of Miles Davis!

Founded in 1837, Alton was the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, was born and raised in Alton. Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton. Alton is also considered one of the most haunted cities in America.

Along with a rich history, there's also a darker side of Alton's history.

Haunted Legends Surrounding Alton, Illinois

 According to Rivers and Routes, murder, war, death, and destruction all fill the pages of Alton's history book.

A sordid past of murder, war, death and destruction has led to Alton’s haunted present. Through the years, many travelers have investigated and inquired about the unexplained happenings and psychic phenomena found throughout Alton. Several locations that are noted to be extremely haunted, including the infamous McPike Mansion, The First Unitarian Church, and Milton School, have been featured on television shows on the Travel Channel and Syfy Channel.

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Legend even says that Mark Twain once referred to Alton as a "dismal little river town," and if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is.  If you want to see some of the most haunted places around Alton, there are several ghost tours offered during the warmer months. You can check out the different tour offerings here.