Benjamin Godfrey Legacy Trail
Benjamin Godfrey came to Alton, IL in 1832 following a maritime career with the fledgling American Navy and later as a commander of a merchant vessel. During his pre-Alton adventures,he made and lost one fortune as a merchant commander when his ship went down in the Gulf of Mexico and left him stranded in Mexico. He built another fortune in Mexico and then moved to New Orleans where he formed a business partnership with Winthrop Gilman. It was his association with Gilman that enticed Godfrey north to the Mississippi River town of Alton.
The Benjamin Godfrey Legacy trail highlights Godfrey’s impact on the two cities with seven different historical site markers. The trail shows Godfrey’s devotion to the area and the lasting impact of his influence.
Join us, and Benjamin Godfrey himself, as we journey through historic Alton and Godfrey on this historic trail. Please be sure to listen to the audio files associated with each site.
Stops Along the Trail

What's Included
- Godfrey, Gilman & Company Warehouse

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- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

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- Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library

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- Alton & Sangamon Railroad

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- Plank Road

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- Monticello College

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- Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel

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- Godfrey Cemetery

What's Included
- Godfrey Mansion