The Lovejoy Monument commemorates the career and death of Elijah P. Lovejov, the famous Presbyterian minister and ardent abolitionist.

Having fled St. Louis out of fear for his safety, Lovejoy set up his printing press in Alton, but soon found himself under attack from a pro-slavery mob whose commercial interests were tied to slavery across the river. Killed defending his printing press, which was thrown in the river, Lovejoy was buried in secret in Alton Cemetery. This monument was completed in 1897, and reminds of a Civil War monument in Peoria.

His actual grave lies further inside the cemetery, and not at the monument. Below, this winged, Victory-like figure probably represents freedom of the press.

Two large bronze eagles flank the central column.

These two braziers continue the theme of light, sitting on either side of the apsidal structure.