Robert Wadlow, The Tallest Man in History

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  • čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
  • Robert Wadlow, the "Alton Giant," was the opposite of what fairy tales say a giant should be. His extraordinary height still holds the world record for the tallest man in recorded history. The History Guy remembers an extraordinary man and his extraordinary life.
    Visit the Alton Museum of History and Art. www.altonmuseum.com/
    Featuring a special appearance by one of the History Cats. Her name is Lucky.
    This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
    All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
    Facebook: / thehistoryguyyt
    Patreon: / thehistoryguy
    The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
    Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
    Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
    teespring.com/stores/the-hist...
    Script by HCW
    #altongiant #thehistoryguy #ushistory

Komentáře • 2,1K

  • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
    @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 3 lety +64

    Several people talk about ancient references to giants. In a simply sense, we cannot guarantee the height of anyone in the ancient record. The founders of Guinness World Records explain: "The only admissible evidence upon the true height of giants is that of recent date made under impartial medical supervision." Robert Wadlow is, therefore, "the tallest man of whom there is irrefutable evidence". Certainly he was the tallest man measured in the time since the foot was standardized. The possibility of ancient giants does not, in my opinion, detract from his story.

    • @awkwardlycast5801
      @awkwardlycast5801 Před 3 lety

      Freemasonry is satanism in disguise. His-story is a lie. The earth is flat and stationary. The evidence is overwhelming, from planes flying straight and level to mathematically calculating the round earth curvature drop-off and proving zero curvature. Heliocentric model, gravity, big bang, evolution theories are a lies designed to indoctrinate and not educate. I used to think the earth was a spinning, moving ball. Now I know better. The masses have been indoctrinated into a massive cult. That is the basis of a control system: to keep the masses ignorant and separated from the truth and to divide and conquer.

    • @TheCRTProductions
      @TheCRTProductions Před 3 lety +2

      Highly contrasting replies to this comment hmmm...

    • @georgeelmerdenbrough6906
      @georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Před 3 lety +4

      Let the Conspiracy Theories flow like a turned up Porto-Let .Sheesh

    • @victorylane2377
      @victorylane2377 Před 3 lety +4

      @@awkwardlycast5801 you're not supposed to drink the drain-o. Good luck with your recovery.

    • @BizarreIoveTriangle
      @BizarreIoveTriangle Před 2 lety +2

      @@awkwardlycast5801 good pasta, but not great. 6/10 for the effort

  • @justinray66
    @justinray66 Před 4 lety +22

    My grandma was from Alton and went to school with Robert Wadlow. I remember her talking about how he had a special desk and had to duck under all the doorways. She always said he was the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet. A true gentle giant.

  • @GOGOSLIFE
    @GOGOSLIFE Před 4 lety +524

    You did right by him. You told his story with respect and compassion, and I`m sure he and his family would have liked that.

  • @bobdonovan34
    @bobdonovan34 Před 3 lety +125

    Guinness Book of World Records was one of my favorites as a kid and the pictures of Robert always amazed me.

    • @JesseWright68
      @JesseWright68 Před 3 lety +9

      Ha! Remember the fattest twins and the huge salamander?

    • @bobdonovan34
      @bobdonovan34 Před 3 lety +7

      @@JesseWright68 The motorcycling McGuire Twins! Lol.

    • @nicholasschroeder3678
      @nicholasschroeder3678 Před 3 lety

      I was fascinated by Angus MacHaskell. I told my parents about him, his enormous dimensions, and how sad that he died young. She mother quipped, "Probably of a broken heart," and they both laughed. I didn't get it. Few years later I did.😏

    • @georgeelmerdenbrough6906
      @georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Před 3 lety +5

      @@bobdonovan34 The guy with the cigarettes crammed in his face always stunned me

    • @nickoakley69
      @nickoakley69 Před 3 lety +1

      I have exactly the same memory - the stand out fact

  • @georgemallory797
    @georgemallory797 Před 4 lety +109

    This actually choked me up. He was just a good and decent young man. Thanks for sharing this, sir.

    • @jameslovelady7751
      @jameslovelady7751 Před 11 měsíci

      I remember 2 anecdotes from a Saturday Evening Post story about him. He gave up a job as a salesman because he felt he was intimidating people. When riding in an elevator, the door opened and a woman shrieked " A headless man!".

  • @jimprosser2553
    @jimprosser2553 Před 5 lety +579

    “This story about the World’s Tallest Human Being… .is much less about the ‘World’s Tallest’ part, much more about the ‘Human Being.’”
    Bravo, The History Guy! That was pure genius.

    • @dsnodgrass4843
      @dsnodgrass4843 Před 5 lety +12

      Agreed. I said out loud, "as it should be." And it was.

    • @bobbyhill8436
      @bobbyhill8436 Před 4 lety +9

      "The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long"...

    • @Lamtitude
      @Lamtitude Před 4 lety +5

      Yeah that’s very well put. It was actually pretty touching.

    • @bernie2231
      @bernie2231 Před 3 lety +2

      YES!

    • @zr1sparky1
      @zr1sparky1 Před 3 lety +2

      Indeed!

  • @Rosatodi2006
    @Rosatodi2006 Před 5 lety +351

    I grew up near, Alton, IL. My grandfather grew up in Alton. I remember my grandfather telling a story about being a teenager. He had finally matched my great grandfather’s height an was strutting around in a store when he turned a corner and came eyeball to belt buckle with Robert. My grandfather would use that story to as a reminder to us to remain humble. No matter how big or good we thought we were, there is someone bigger or better just around the corner!

    • @randypowell3180
      @randypowell3180 Před 5 lety +24

      Eyeball to belt buckle... made me laugh! Lol!

    • @htos1av
      @htos1av Před 5 lety +1

      LOL!

    • @briangarrow448
      @briangarrow448 Před 5 lety +25

      Your grandfather sounds like a wise man. Those are the lessons we should ALL learn.

    • @93corvettebaby
      @93corvettebaby Před 5 lety +5

      very wise advice.

    • @Marin3r101
      @Marin3r101 Před 4 lety +1

      How big or good? Sounds like you got bullies in your family trying to hide that.

  • @jordanlewis4983
    @jordanlewis4983 Před 3 lety +64

    He was just a kid man, that’s the wildest thing. 22 years at death. It’s insane to think he made such a positive impact in such a short time

    • @Noodlepunk
      @Noodlepunk Před 3 lety

      I am sure that if he was born in thsi time he would Hve lived longer. :

  • @raydunakin
    @raydunakin Před 4 lety +63

    I'm reminded of a guy I read about named Adam Rainer, the only person in recorded history to have been both a dwarf and a giant. The poor guy was only 3' 8" tall at age 19. Then a tumor on his pituitary gland caused a growth spurt. By age 33 he was over 7 feet tall, and by the time of his death at age 51he was 7' 8" tall. Unfortunately he spent most of his later years bedridden.

    • @sandrasanders706
      @sandrasanders706 Před 3 lety +2

      Never knew that..

    • @danlower7834
      @danlower7834 Před 3 lety

      Wow.

    • @nicholasschroeder3678
      @nicholasschroeder3678 Před 3 lety +3

      Sad. Reminds me of something in my life. I dated a woman who had a boy that was pretty undersized for his age. He was healthy, good at sports, but short, thin--just definitely undersized. She worried about it, and discussed hormone therapy, which I didn't think seemed like a great idea. We broke up and went our ways. Recently, I got curious about her, and found a family picture. The boy was now an adult, and he looked well over 6 ft tall. I would guess 6'5". He had quite a strong jaw, and I wondered if he might have had acromegaly. I wondered if she did give him those hormones

    • @curbozer5006
      @curbozer5006 Před 3 lety

      That shows us the random nature of existence...and that there is no caring God around to make things right.

    • @spartanumismatics8165
      @spartanumismatics8165 Před 3 lety +2

      @@curbozer5006 wrong. Things happen for a reason. Each of us is placed here for a reason

  • @davidvusich1603
    @davidvusich1603 Před 5 lety +168

    I feel sorry for this guy but it's beautiful that his difficulties didn't sour him

  • @dougsullivan3564
    @dougsullivan3564 Před 5 lety +409

    I love your cat just showing up and looking at you like “who are you talking too?”.

    • @vicaroo001
      @vicaroo001 Před 5 lety +24

      Me too. Chubby cat photo bomb = amazing

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 5 lety +54

      "Chubby" is a kind description for that one.

    • @nicholasbrown6481
      @nicholasbrown6481 Před 5 lety +10

      I have a very similar looking cat....lol. we call him fatty.

    • @davidhollenshead4892
      @davidhollenshead4892 Před 5 lety +2

      @@TheHistoryGuyChannel My Tiggy is similar but has an even bigger butt.....

    • @rpbajb
      @rpbajb Před 5 lety +17

      I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't listen to a word you were saying after 'Chubby' showed up.

  • @gregglouis2969
    @gregglouis2969 Před 3 lety +107

    Being 6'9" I feel for this poor guy. I'm no where near the height he was but I can see and feel his pain. Robert has always been a unsung hero of mine from the day I learned of him at a museum. God bless Robert.

    • @abelincoln5698
      @abelincoln5698 Před 3 lety +25

      my brother Brian ( RiP) was 6 feet 11 and 330 lbs and his life was difficult because of his size. He couldn't get the clothes or shoes he liked , he couldn't sit in the seats at a ballgame or a theatre . He couldn't drive just any car . He couldn't travel comfortably or go anywhere without people staring or saying ' man yer huge , how tall are ya?' He dealt with a lot of hassles and wished he was regular sized. He died at 44 yrs of age from a heart attack and I miss him.

    • @abelincoln5698
      @abelincoln5698 Před 3 lety +2

      @Force Kin Thank You. 👍

    • @roahforeva
      @roahforeva Před 3 lety +5

      im 6'9

    • @georgeelmerdenbrough6906
      @georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Před 3 lety +3

      I am 6'6" and you have my sympathy . I know you must shop for shoes from a catalog . I do , too . 15 EEE

    • @georgeelmerdenbrough6906
      @georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Před 3 lety +7

      @@abelincoln5698 As a tall guy I found the Great Dane analogy pretty much true far too often ... Kevin Nash ( 6'9" ) once said of his life expectancy with extreme height and familial heart problems " You don't see many 12 year old Great Danes at the dog park , do you ?" Sadly , at 6'6" I am aware of the probabilities and adjust my life accordingly . Most people see only the perks of being bigger and stronger but it comes with a cost .

  • @makman1962
    @makman1962 Před 5 lety +272

    This is absolutely my favorite CZcams channel.

    • @halonothing1
      @halonothing1 Před 5 lety +9

      It's definitely up there in the top 3 or 5 for me, closely tied. You just can't be in a bad mood watching such infectious enthusiasm being displayed.

    • @donc9751
      @donc9751 Před 5 lety +6

      @@halonothing1 Well said and so true! If the History Guy taught history in school, and I cant imagine him not teaching the topic, his students would have been captivated and I imagine every last one of his students acquiring his same love of history and going on to become A students, if not history experts themselves!

    • @CarDocBabaPhilipo
      @CarDocBabaPhilipo Před 5 lety +1

      I must repeat that sentiment, Absolutely :)!

    • @777cmm777
      @777cmm777 Před 5 lety

      Yup. Me, too.

    • @freefieldtraining
      @freefieldtraining Před 5 lety

      Definitely my favorite by far.

  • @ritaloy8338
    @ritaloy8338 Před 5 lety +75

    This episode brought a tear to my eye. Done with great care in trying to bring out the humanity Robert Wadlow and not so much about his size.

    • @angusforster1511
      @angusforster1511 Před 5 lety +9

      Rita Loy, brought a tear to my eye too. A very moving episode. Hate seeing genuinely kind people treated badly.

  • @haskellvanmarter5501
    @haskellvanmarter5501 Před 5 lety +7

    What a great story about a brave young man with wisdom beyond his years. A kind young man who set a great example of humanness. His story has touched so many. RIP.

  • @michaelfraser4396
    @michaelfraser4396 Před 5 lety +6

    It sounds like his heart and character matched his height. What a wonderful person he was. He truly deserves to be remembered. Thanks THG for doing such a great job at presenting his story.

  • @lordshipmayhem
    @lordshipmayhem Před 5 lety +120

    Delightful video. Mr. Wadlow sounds like someone I'd have been happy to have in my circle of friends.

    • @donc9751
      @donc9751 Před 5 lety +4

      He was definately the kind of friend everyone looked up to, in more ways than the obvious.

  • @C.O._Jones
    @C.O._Jones Před 5 lety +66

    This episode transported me back to my childhood, when I was a nerd child fascinated by the Guinness Book of World Records. Robert Wadlow was my favorite person in the book, not only because of his impressive height, but because he looked like such a nice person. Your video shows that he definitely was that. Thank you for not only sharing the details of Robert Wadlow’s story, but also showing the gentle, sensitive human being he was. It’s sometimes easy to forget when studying historical events or famous people’s lives that those living through it all are real people whose lives were greatly impacted in various ways, often unpleasantly. That brings to mind the apocryphal “Chinese curse”: “May you live in interesting times.” Thanks, History Guy, and your fuzzy little supervisor and costar, History Cat.

    • @steverakes6182
      @steverakes6182 Před 3 lety

      Exactly the same for me. You saved me a lot of typing, thanks!

  • @davidlooney9323
    @davidlooney9323 Před 3 lety +2

    When I was a boy my Mother Frances Looney told me of the time Robert Wadlow stayed the night in my home town of Roanoke Va. There was no place for Robert to sleep so my Great Grandfather had 2 king size beds in his barn. They put them together and that is where Robert spent the night. My Mother remembered how he rode on the back of a flatbed truck in a very large chair. I finally got to see the truck thanks to your video. She also told me what a nice man he was,she got to talk to him while he visited. Thank you History Guy!

  • @Slithey7433
    @Slithey7433 Před 4 lety +285

    “When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.” ~ Mark Twain

    • @ouroboris
      @ouroboris Před 4 lety +10

      He was an astute observer of humanity.

    • @bethpemberton7980
      @bethpemberton7980 Před 3 lety +15

      Only if the boxes aren't cleaned daily or the owner hasn't neutered the cats. There is always a reason.

    • @davefox7516
      @davefox7516 Před 3 lety

      FAT CAT

    • @pretorious700
      @pretorious700 Před 3 lety +5

      I avoid people who love cats. They're creepy.

    • @elizabethsohler1847
      @elizabethsohler1847 Před 3 lety +3

      @@pretorious700 People are funny about cats. They seem to love them or hate them . There doesn't seem to be a gray area for a lot of people .

  • @sarjim4381
    @sarjim4381 Před 5 lety +725

    Even your cat wants to listen to your history stories. ;-)

    • @chanceDdog2009
      @chanceDdog2009 Před 5 lety +14

      Be it cat or be it dog.
      Everyone want to listen and enjoy the talks of our man the history guy...this and every day..

    • @christopherconard2831
      @christopherconard2831 Před 5 lety +41

      Yo Hooman. That's a fascinating story. Now let me tell you the story of a half empty food bowl, and a starving cat.

    • @thedude242425
      @thedude242425 Před 5 lety +2

      Sar Jim ya beat me to it,

    • @sameyers2670
      @sameyers2670 Před 5 lety

      @@christopherconard2831 It's only half empty because one of my partner's cats ate it all lol

    • @doggonemess1
      @doggonemess1 Před 5 lety +1

      He loves the camera, too, as evidenced by 4:21.

  • @mikepierson7447
    @mikepierson7447 Před 5 lety +146

    Great story made me tear up a bit I won't lie

    • @niranthbanks3595
      @niranthbanks3595 Před 5 lety +17

      Same for me. He had legitimate reasons for anger but chose peace instead.

    • @htos1av
      @htos1av Před 5 lety +11

      @@niranthbanks3595 The best possible homage for a great American!

    • @blackdeath4eternity
      @blackdeath4eternity Před 5 lety +2

      made me feel a little queezy lol, i'm nowhere near that tall & i sometimes get a headache or the like when i stand up quick, could you imagine how much that would be amplified at such a size?
      & then theres banging your head & the like as well... im sure id be miserable.... lol.

    • @countMonteTristo
      @countMonteTristo Před 5 lety +5

      I'm fucking weeping

    • @GlensFallsRich
      @GlensFallsRich Před 5 lety +4

      Thanks for not lying.

  • @lindavirgilio8464
    @lindavirgilio8464 Před 4 lety +36

    Robert was a blessing. A sweet and gentle man. God bless him and his family.

  • @karenskladanowski2371
    @karenskladanowski2371 Před 3 lety +13

    My mother grew up across the street from Robert and his family. We’ve got some photos of them. My mother was kind of scared of him as a child, but my grandmother and grandfather said he and his family were very kind people.

    • @joeh470
      @joeh470 Před 3 lety +1

      Thats an amazing thing to have.

    • @moosehead482
      @moosehead482 Před 2 lety

      My father in law lived across the street too, and once dated his sister.

  • @angusforster1511
    @angusforster1511 Před 5 lety +57

    As moving as I have found so many of your episodes, this is the first one to bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for your caring presentation and showing what a lovely human being Robert must have been.

  • @KenBlackRifleAmerica
    @KenBlackRifleAmerica Před 5 lety +35

    What a lovely remembrance of a gentle, loving human being! RIP Robert!

  • @sarahburggraf907
    @sarahburggraf907 Před 4 lety +43

    I loved this. Thank you for being so respectful to his memory!

  • @frankkeltner9103
    @frankkeltner9103 Před 4 lety +11

    The History Guy is absolutely without a doubt, the best thing to ever come from CZcams!!!

  • @smadge1
    @smadge1 Před 5 lety +122

    This video is also fitting for remembering The History Cat, R.I.P. Penny.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 5 lety +36

      Thank you.

    • @sameyers2670
      @sameyers2670 Před 5 lety +12

      Yes R.I.P Penny the History Cat.

    • @BrionWatling
      @BrionWatling Před 5 lety +2

      Oh no. That's the cats name. Mine was Nameless, there is a story behind that as all excellent cats are given names. I suspect that they are amused by people and that was the reason cats befriend people.

    • @davidgiancoli2106
      @davidgiancoli2106 Před 5 lety +1

      Thanks so much for your wonderful channel! I discovered it only a few weeks ago and it is excellent. Your presentations are well researched and your enthusiasm is infectious. This particular program is one of your best, for almost everyone can relate to feeling different in some way. Please touch on how historical events affect the lives of the people who experienced them. How do particular historical events affect our lives even today?

    • @BadGuyGoodAudioReviews
      @BadGuyGoodAudioReviews Před 5 lety +1

      @@TheHistoryGuyChannel R.I.P Penny.

  • @bentnickel7487
    @bentnickel7487 Před 5 lety +400

    Poor guy was just a kid, when he died.

    • @bentnickel7487
      @bentnickel7487 Před 5 lety +14

      Yes, but having read extensively about Mr. Wadlow, if it wouldn't have been a blister it could have been a dozen other things. Seven to 7' 9" seems doable for many people, but over 8 feet and the body struggles. Even today, with our medical advances, could we keep Robert Wadlow alive? With extensive bedrest comes bed sores and infection.

    • @patriciaviles4033
      @patriciaviles4033 Před 5 lety +9

      Bent Nickel his disorder would likely have been diagnosed and treated nowadays, hopefully before he could grow quite so tall. They can treat it either by surgery or medication or both.

    • @WormholeJim
      @WormholeJim Před 5 lety +4

      Not according to the bus driver lololol I wish you could still have experinces like that in the public space. people acting - and being allowed to act - like people.

    • @devodavis6454
      @devodavis6454 Před 5 lety +7

      @@WormholeJim Wait a second, do you mean you long for the good ol' days, back when bus drivers could be jerks to children?
      .
      Nice.

    • @WormholeJim
      @WormholeJim Před 5 lety +4

      What?! I don't even know how you made what I say into that. But in keeping in vain with what I can surmise must be your chief motivator - no. That's not what I mean at all. Same way it doesn't mean that I long for the days when kids born outside marriage was sometimes shoved away in orphanages where they were then submitted to abuse - with authority approval! - beyond imagination. Same way it doesn't mean that I long for the days when you being a male and not indebted would entitle you to do pretty much whatever you'd want to pretty much anyone you'd want - as long as they didn't happen to be males and not indebted. On and on, I could keep listing circumstances about how people wanting to control people have resulted in behaviour in the past that I do not at all long for. Same way I hope one day, you too and what you're *actually* doing here will be deemed abusive and as such, criminal behaviour. - - - But - seeing this is just a youtube comment section, I'll restrain myself to just pointing out that whatever I actually meant - it is right up there to be read. By you and anyone. Please do. Read and re-read until you get it; it is quite simple, actually.

  • @JohnSmith-lw2bm
    @JohnSmith-lw2bm Před 4 lety +93

    I live in Alton, Illinois and they still revere Robert Wadlow here. In fact their is a life size statue of him at the SIU Dental school campus here in Alton. Thanks.

    • @toyfan2812
      @toyfan2812 Před 3 lety +4

      I worked in alton and was taken to see the statue . Was a neat experience

    • @elizabethsohler1847
      @elizabethsohler1847 Před 3 lety +5

      That's great that people think so much of him decades after his death . I never realized how Young he was when he died.

    • @abefroman9848
      @abefroman9848 Před 3 lety +8

      @Wise and Free cause, you know. He white.

    • @nicholasschroeder3678
      @nicholasschroeder3678 Před 3 lety +1

      Yeah, the disability folks might tear it down. Everything's wrong these days

    • @papajoesbookclub7177
      @papajoesbookclub7177 Před 3 lety +2

      I used to drive through Alton. I stopped at the little library and checked out books on CD. I never knew he was from there. I would have loved to see the statue.

  • @oldfarmer4700
    @oldfarmer4700 Před 4 lety +2

    My dad was from Alton, he knew Robert and he and brothers and sisters went to school with him. Heard many stories about him when I was young.

  • @jonathanhankins8356
    @jonathanhankins8356 Před 5 lety +70

    This video doesn't seem to be monetized... but it should be. Content this good shouldn't go unrewarded.

    • @jimfeldman4035
      @jimfeldman4035 Před 5 lety +9

      cough Patreon cough

    • @htos1av
      @htos1av Před 5 lety +3

      I WILL turn off my Ad Block for this channel!

    • @angusforster1511
      @angusforster1511 Před 5 lety +3

      Hi Jonathan, you can donate to help the great History Guy by donating at Patreon for as little as a dollar a month. In my books it is the best value for money you can get. All the best.

    • @bret9741
      @bret9741 Před 5 lety +5

      God I hope someone develops a solid alternative to CZcams. I appreciate that the government broke up standard oil company and we can all see that was a very good thing. It’s time to break up google, however it won’t be easy. Google, Amazon, and others similar truly have incredible power to manipulate and control the messages society receive and as importantly they wield incredible economic power. It seems that power corrupts

    • @prof2yousmithe444
      @prof2yousmithe444 Před 5 lety +1

      Jonathan Hankins how can one tell?

  • @maniyan_wanagi
    @maniyan_wanagi Před 5 lety +19

    Thank you, History Guy! I am so happy to hear that he got to see the Sequoias and grateful to his townspeople who were kind to him. One of the very hardest things to be in this world, is different.

  • @erintreez
    @erintreez Před 4 lety +2

    Always bringing us the best! It sounds like Robert Wadlow touched many hearts during his life. I love how the town felt so protective of him. 💜

  • @jasonp3484
    @jasonp3484 Před 4 lety +4

    That was very touching. It brought a tear to my eye. History and the "Gentle Giant" deserve to be remembered. Rip Robert Wadlow

  • @PartyUpLive
    @PartyUpLive Před 5 lety +38

    Yes, I read about him years ago. I'm 6' 9" and remember wondering who the tallest person ever was and came across his story. Would be cool to visit the museum about him.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 5 lety +16

      It is a neat little museum, with much to talk about in addition to Mr Wadlow. A shocking amount of history occurred in Alton, Il.

    • @PartyUpLive
      @PartyUpLive Před 5 lety +5

      @@TheHistoryGuyChannel Yes Alton is about 4 and a half to 5 hours from me. Would be a cool place to stop on a road trip.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 5 lety +7

      It is open Wednesday through Saturday,

    • @phil4826
      @phil4826 Před 5 lety +1

      @@PartyUpLive . Can you imagine standing next to that guy and being more than 2 feet shorter?

    • @kennyr5906
      @kennyr5906 Před 5 lety

      There are a few live sized statues about him all over, Ripley's museum for example.

  • @lincolnhudgens3007
    @lincolnhudgens3007 Před 5 lety +38

    Brilliant video! The feeling of your connection to this man and his bit of history shines thru, makes this episode that much more enjoyable.

  • @Mirkuzz
    @Mirkuzz Před 3 lety +20

    The cat stopped what ever it was doing & in bemusement said, “wait, who is papa talking to?”

    • @61rampy65
      @61rampy65 Před 3 lety +1

      Sorry, I'm late to the party, but ANY episode featuring The History Cat is a good one!

  • @kennethwalker4551
    @kennethwalker4551 Před 4 lety +6

    Alton,Il was my hometown and I can remember Robert Wadlow was spoke of fondly even in the 50s when I was a kid.

    • @einstein7526
      @einstein7526 Před 4 lety +1

      I grew up in Jerseyville and he's still talked about.

  • @garydean0308
    @garydean0308 Před 5 lety +3

    Thank you for this. We lived in Alton 5 years. There were always people at the statue, sitting in the replica chair, taking pictures. He was a good man.

  • @hlynnkeith9334
    @hlynnkeith9334 Před 5 lety +146

    Perhaps he should be known as The World's Kindest Man.

  • @sarahmeacheam7517
    @sarahmeacheam7517 Před 3 lety +3

    Poor guy!!!! He was a cinnamon roll!!!! A literal large cinnamon roll. He regretted not going to his grandparent's anniversary!!! What a sweet man!!! My heart!!!🥺😥😢😭💔

  • @caseylevins9900
    @caseylevins9900 Před 4 lety +1

    That was great! I've watched so many of your uploads, but this was particularly thoughtful.

  • @alitlweird
    @alitlweird Před 5 lety +30

    What a sad, beautiful story.

  • @GeSchmidtt
    @GeSchmidtt Před 5 lety +14

    My father told me he saw Robert Wadlow when he was around 10 years old in Lincoln Nebraska, that would have been 1936 or 37. It must have stuck with him as he told me that story several times over the years.

  • @jthampshire
    @jthampshire Před 3 lety +6

    Very well done. I knew one of his classmates. She was a tiny girl, about 4' 11". Alton's favorite son.

  • @Jhawk2tall
    @Jhawk2tall Před 3 lety +4

    I’ve seen this story before but the details you included and your presentation is outstanding!

  • @SteveMack
    @SteveMack Před 5 lety +49

    As usual terrific video

  • @cindyworkman8524
    @cindyworkman8524 Před 5 lety +36

    My mother used to enjoy shopping in downtown Alton with Robert when she was a little girl. His fingers were too big to pick up coins, so he would let her pick them up for him out of his hand.

  • @chadlong9614
    @chadlong9614 Před 3 lety

    This is the first video I’ve seen on this channel, must say I was impressed. Informative, tasteful, and entertaining

  • @solucky70
    @solucky70 Před 3 lety

    What a special gift of storytelling you have. Glad you found an outlet for your gift!

  • @jeeptrail08
    @jeeptrail08 Před 5 lety +58

    I love this channel! this is in my own opinion the best channel on youtube. Always look forward to new videos!

  • @andypowell4702
    @andypowell4702 Před 5 lety +18

    I just discovered your channel after I was telling my 6'8" roommate about wadlow and wanted to show him who robert was. Im so glad I found this channel because I love history and unfortunately many people these days dont understand how important it is that to learn and remember the past is the most important part of moving forward into the future. Keep up the great work and I will undoubtedly subscribe and share the channel with my history buff friends, thanks for the great videos and hard work to tell the real story.

    • @andrewdaley3081
      @andrewdaley3081 Před 4 lety +2

      Your roommate is lucky to be sharing with you. That was such a kind and thoughtful comment. Andy England 👍

  • @run4funorgo4dough
    @run4funorgo4dough Před 4 lety +9

    This particular piece of history always saddens me. A True Gentle Giant Among Men

  • @wildbill5670
    @wildbill5670 Před 4 lety +7

    So sad that he lived so short of a life. I'm in my 60's and it seems like I haven't been around that long.

  • @spencertwitty8349
    @spencertwitty8349 Před 5 lety +12

    Thank you again for the great story. This channel is a little slice of sanity in a insane world. Please keep them coming.

  • @thearmchairaviator3136
    @thearmchairaviator3136 Před 5 lety +10

    Another great video on this fantastic channel. Thankyou from Australia for all the brilliant videos that Mrs History Guy and yourself produce.

  • @raea3588
    @raea3588 Před 5 lety +2

    What a nice piece! Thank you so much. You did this so beautifully and what a fine person Robert Wadlow was :)

  • @prague5419
    @prague5419 Před 4 lety

    A very tasteful and respectful recount of a man who knew little more than dignity and kindness. Thank you for taking the heartfelt and professional approach to telling his story. You just earned another subscriber, sir.

  • @rjohnson2916
    @rjohnson2916 Před 5 lety +5

    "The History Guy" I want to thank you for making history so interesting. I've always enjoyed history, but you make it much more interesting. That makes you a good teacher. Blessings to you and yours.

  • @bradjakubowski8987
    @bradjakubowski8987 Před 5 lety +9

    One of your greatest video. Loved it, thank you.

  • @oliveoil2x
    @oliveoil2x Před 4 lety

    Thank you for the respectful way you explain so many personal, historical moments. I’m amazed at your power of delivery & you presentation of subject matter that is both sensitive and grand in its own way. I feel like you’re building an audience of folks who likewise appreciate your tactful/common sense way of reminding us of the past’s triumphs, tragedies, and everything in-between. Thank you.

  • @jotacalvo
    @jotacalvo Před 3 lety +2

    I love this story. I’m a 5'3" man in my 50's. I’ve been harassed all my life, but I don’t mind. Of course, I don’t stand out nearly as much as this man. But can still somewhat empathize. No matter how hard you try, it’s nearly impossible to not allow it to shape your view of self or your outlook on life. I’ve worked my whole life not to develop the "little man complex", because I don’t view with any respect others (short or tall) who display those characteristics. But I can understand why it can happen. And that’s why Mr. Wadlow gets my utmost respect. It would’ve been interesting to meet him. Love, respect and kindness may not always win an argument, but they will win the hearts of those who matter.

  • @ed-iy6ri
    @ed-iy6ri Před 5 lety +12

    Genuinely love your channel, I refresh CZcams app several times a day waiting for your next video to appear. Hope you and your wife have a lovely and historical Christmas

    • @angusforster1511
      @angusforster1511 Před 5 lety +1

      Hi, if you hit the bell on the subscription, you tube will send you a notification whenever the history guy posts a new episode and you don’t need to keep refreshing. All the best.

  • @confusedwolf7157
    @confusedwolf7157 Před 5 lety +68

    aha... and the History Cat (end of video)!! excellent video..as always.

    • @dugroz
      @dugroz Před 5 lety

      meow!

    • @gerfmon1
      @gerfmon1 Před 5 lety +1

      And I'm guessing that was the History Wife posed with History Guy in the still photo. :)

  • @JennRighter
    @JennRighter Před 5 lety +1

    I am so grateful I found your channel. Of course, I love history. However, it is your passion and your talent for story telling that sets you apart. I feel the emotions and see the images and truly feel transposed into whatever history event you're talking about.
    You truly are the greatest. Much love and respect for you and this channel.

  • @shawn13mertle13
    @shawn13mertle13 Před 4 lety +1

    This is getting to be one of my favorite internet addictions.I remember reading little snippets about this guy before.Thank you for covering him in detail.So sad people who posses great amounts of kindness don't always live that long.

  • @11ajoseph
    @11ajoseph Před 5 lety +3

    You are truly delightful and engaging. Your presentations are always engaging. Thank you.

  • @briandamage5677
    @briandamage5677 Před 5 lety +5

    I enjoy the diversity of your material. Well done, good sir!

  • @oilersridersbluejays
    @oilersridersbluejays Před 5 lety

    This is my favourite channel! Thank you!

  • @devox3291
    @devox3291 Před 3 lety

    Your BEST vid yet!!
    Par Excellence!
    Thanks to you and Robert and Robert's family for this!

  • @doonsbury9656
    @doonsbury9656 Před 5 lety +46

    Gee wizz History guy! I settle back in a comfortable chair, ready to enjoy the fascinating and unexpected revelations from your segment and you scared the living daylights outa me with that "Fee Fi Fo Fum" Business! Mate, it's a good thing I have a strong heart or you'd have one less subscriber! I have previously read about Robert,. Yet I realized as I watched this segment that I knew absolutely nothing about him. "The Gentle Giant" was lucky to have such marvelous parents....and such understanding members of his local community....and the History Guy to share with us his wonderful story.

  • @patrickdurham8393
    @patrickdurham8393 Před 4 lety +54

    Kind of made my eyes leak at the end.

  • @markfreedman2470
    @markfreedman2470 Před 4 lety

    Wonderfully rendered and presented. You do history justice. Thank you

  • @revk8611
    @revk8611 Před 5 lety +1

    What a sweet story. It made me cry. Thank you for this.

  • @jfloresmac
    @jfloresmac Před 4 lety +3

    One man in his studio.
    One camera.
    Photos.
    One cat.
    A great story from history.
    This is quality tv, worthy of an emmy. Educational and entertaining.
    I worked producing tv and nobody could have told me this recipe could work so well.
    Salutations amigos.

  • @deadfreightwest5956
    @deadfreightwest5956 Před 5 lety +296

    So he was actually the "Tallest History Guy in the World."

  • @MRelemint
    @MRelemint Před 5 lety

    I find your channel and it’s videos so enjoyable because of how you deliver them with so much care. Thank you from one history lover to another for telling the stories that could have been forgotten if it wasn’t for you.

  • @MrMrmetro
    @MrMrmetro Před 3 lety

    That was very moving. So well put together. You have a gift for telling stories. Thank you!

  • @johnwood551
    @johnwood551 Před 9 měsíci +2

    As a guy who was 5’11” by the 4th grade I know how he felt. I too walked upstairs sideways due to size 15 shoes, ducking everywhere you go ,doors,stores ,cars,buses,trains and planes. I was 6’5” by the 6th grade. People are just afraid of rally tall guys. I can imagine how difficult it must have been for him a child with child emotions but people only see an adult sized person.
    Thanks for the story . May he rest in peace.

  • @dahveed284
    @dahveed284 Před 5 lety +44

    Your cat photobombed you. LOL. I guessing the slight jolt in your video was your cat jumping on or off the table. Another great video.

    • @alexanderthomas2660
      @alexanderthomas2660 Před 5 lety

      Indeed, I wondered what that was! Or maybe the cat bumped the tripod…

    • @threeparots1
      @threeparots1 Před 5 lety +1

      First thing that crossed my mind. History didn’t skip a beat with Kitty around😺

  • @darren8269
    @darren8269 Před 11 měsíci +1

    The third time I have watched this. The second time was when I was visiting my Mum, and I said "You should watch this, I'm pretty sure he chokes up at the end, and so do I". I choked up again just now. Keep up the good work Mr History Guy.

  • @dner75-xh9le
    @dner75-xh9le Před 3 lety

    Fantastic content. I knew about Mr. Wadlow, but did not know the details of his life. Thank you for your efforts in putting this together.

  • @GMan-cv9ig
    @GMan-cv9ig Před 5 lety +14

    “”He said “I love history so much” I could not agree more”” I also found a home for my love of history. I don’t feel so alone anymore

    • @leeschnoor5560
      @leeschnoor5560 Před 4 lety +1

      Welcome aboard. History is nothing other than life's stories throughout the ages.

  • @bigblue6917
    @bigblue6917 Před 5 lety +5

    What a delightful and interesting story.
    It reminded me of the Yorkshire Giant, William Bradley, who was born in the town of Market Weighton in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He lived between 10 February 1787 and 30 May 1820 and stood at 7 feet 9 inches. He was even presented before King George III at Windsor who gave him a large golden watch on a chain, which he wore for the rest of his life. As with Robert Wadlow fears of graverobbing led to him being buried inside the church in Market Weighton.
    Every May since 1996 Market Weighton holds a festival, the Giant Community Day, in memory of William Bradley. It is a family-oriented event with games, amusement rides, stalls and other attractions.

  • @freddyjefferson4526
    @freddyjefferson4526 Před 3 lety

    The passion which you deliver every one of your segments is inspiring.....big fan

  • @frankvozak7280
    @frankvozak7280 Před 3 lety +2

    My late farther went ti high school with Robert Wadlow.My dad used to talk about how nice Robert was.

  • @misslady0075
    @misslady0075 Před 3 lety +2

    He truly sounded such a wonderful man.
    R. I. P. Robert ❤️🌹❤️

  • @craigwin3685
    @craigwin3685 Před 3 lety +1

    My favorite show. Thanks. Very very touching. And the cat put it over the top!

  • @adalai7649
    @adalai7649 Před 4 lety

    I greatly enjoy all your videos, but this was one of the best. I was greatly touched by the humanity and gentleness of Robert Wadlow and commend you for presenting this. Thank you.

  • @grrgrievances
    @grrgrievances Před 5 lety +12

    When I was a kid in the 90s I'd go to Ripley's Believe It or Not on the Gold Coast with my Dad and there in the entrance would be a big statue of Robert Wadlow, and yeah the statue was pretty tall! As a kid it was pretty crazy to see someone could grow so big. Thanks History Guy, I've been a fan for awhile, the Cowra breakout vid is my favourite because I didn't know about it before but it's such a good story/history (that deserves to be remembered).

  • @5dinsdale
    @5dinsdale Před 5 lety +7

    I really enjoyed this video!

  • @DanO12345
    @DanO12345 Před 4 lety +2

    I love History. Great videos, well made and informative. Thank you.

  • @polomare2027
    @polomare2027 Před 3 lety

    This is one of your best, History Guy. Can't believe I haven't seen it before now.
    Oh, and History Cat needs his own channel.

  • @swimmad456
    @swimmad456 Před 5 lety +6

    When I come across the lives of people like Robert Wadlow I am left grateful that I am so unexceptional and ordinary. As usual his story is told with enormous sympathy.

  • @josephafrane3499
    @josephafrane3499 Před 5 lety +9

    Enjoying this waiting for next one

  • @Wolverine6617
    @Wolverine6617 Před 3 lety

    Always entertaining and informative. Thanks History Guy.

  • @Lisargarza
    @Lisargarza Před 5 lety

    Your videos are always interesting. That patient kitty listening in the background is just icing on cake.

  • @TheStuit2it
    @TheStuit2it Před 5 lety +17

    Mr. Wadlow Is the subject.
    The History Cat is the star.