Phyllis Brown
Our world is filled with remarkable individuals, and Robert Wadlow stands out among them. At almost 9 feet tall, he holds the record for being the tallest person in history. His growth continued throughout his life, and even at the time of his death at 22, there was no sign it would stop.
In 1940, at 22 years old, Wadlow’s height was recorded at 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72m), officially making him the tallest man ever, surpassing the previous record holder, John Rogan, by 2 inches (5cm).
Dive into the story of Robert Wadlow. Though his life was brief, he lived it fully, never letting his extraordinary height stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Robert grew at an astounding rate
Robert Pershing Wadlow was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois. He weighed a healthy 8.7 pounds at birth. Like most babies, he grew during his first year, but his growth rate was extraordinary.
Robert was the eldest child of Addie and Harold Wadlow. He had two sisters, Helen and Betty, and two brothers, Eugene and Harold Jr., all of whom were of average height and weight.
By six months, Robert weighed 30 pounds, double the average baby boy’s weight. On his first birthday, he was 45 pounds and stood 3 feet 3.5 inches tall.
At age 5, he was 5 feet 4 inches and wore clothes meant for teenagers. By age 8, he was taller than his father, who stood at 5 feet 11 inches and soon towered over most adults.
At 13, Robert became the tallest Boy Scout at 7 feet 4 inches, needing a special uniform. He graduated high school at 8 feet 4 inches and kept growing until he reached 8 feet 11 inches.
Robert’s exceptional growth was due to hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, causing excessive growth hormones. Diagnosed at 12, Robert’s condition led him to grow continuously. Despite his size, his parents aimed to give him a normal life.
He managed to live with his giant size
Trying to maintain a normal life, Robert collected stamps and photography for fun. He also enjoyed playing the guitar until his large hands made it difficult. His friends and family gave him the nickname “gentle giant” for his polite and mild nature.
As a teenager, Wadlow was active in the Boy Scouts. After high school, he enrolled in Shurtleff College to study law but eventually shifted paths. He joined the Order of DeMolay and became a Freemason.
Schools made special desks for Robert, adding blocks to the legs to accommodate his height. Being the oldest of his siblings, he played with them and joined their activities. However, everyday tasks were challenging due to his size, requiring adjustments and concessions.
Wadlow wore leg braces to walk and used a cane but refused to rely on a wheelchair. His determination was evident when, in 1936, the Ringling Brothers Circus invited him to join their show. Robert agreed, drawing huge crowds and becoming a beloved figure.
At 20, Robert became an ambassador for Peters Shoe Company, traveling to over 800 towns in 41 states. He received custom-made size 37AA shoes, a valuable perk since each pair cost about $100, a significant amount at the time.
His father modified their car, removing the front passenger seat to give Robert room to stretch out during their extensive travels. Together, they covered over 300,000 miles, spreading goodwill and showcasing Robert’s remarkable story.
When not promoting shoes or participating in circus shows, Robert Wadlow enjoyed a quiet life.
His funeral was a significant event
In July 1940, while attending the Manistee National Forest Festival in Michigan, a blister on his leg became infected. Due to the lack of feeling in his legs, he didn’t realize that an ill-fitting brace was rubbing up against his ankle until forming a blister.
On July 4th, doctors confined Robert to a hotel bed because the local hospital had no suitable accommodations. Despite emergency surgery and blood transfusions, the infection persisted, and his temperature kept rising.
Sadly, his weakened immune system couldn’t fight the infection, and Robert passed away on July 15, 1940, at 22 years old. His last words were, “The doctor says I won’t get home for the… celebration,” referring to his grandparents’ golden anniversary.
He was buried in Alton, Illinois, in a special casket over 10 feet long, requiring 18 pallbearers. The entire town mourned, with businesses closing in his honor. His gravestone simply reads “At Rest.”
Robert Wadlow remains a significant figure in Alton’s history, remembered as a gentle giant who inspired many. In 1985, a bronze statue was erected at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to honor his memory.
