Chicago South: Bronzeville / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial – by Leonard W. Volk

Location: 35th Street and Cottage Grove Ave.

Year Built: 1881

Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 28, 1977..

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

The Douglas Monument Association was organized in 1861 to build a suitable memorial at the grave site. In 1864 the Association adopted the design of Illinois sculptor Leonard W. Volk.
The monument is 96-foot-tall. There is a circular base topped by a 20-foot diameter octagonal mausoleum. The four main corners of the mausoleum, pedestals hold large bronze allegorical figures portraying “Illinois,” “History,” “Justice,” and “Eloquence.” Above the main base of the column are four bronze bas-reliefs. Atop the 46-foot column is a nine-foot bronze statue of Douglas gazing over Lake Michigan.

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial
Leonard W. Volk, designed and sculptor.
1881.

United States Senator Stephen A. Douglas, who died in 1861 at the age of forty-eight, was a firm believer in the future of Chicago. He held state offices and became nationally known for his debating skills in the Senate and in his campaign against Abraham Lincoln in 1858. This tomb is located on the land once part of the Douglas estate, Oakenwald.

Designated a Chicago landmark on September 28, 1977.

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

On the east side, is the entrance to the small chamber containing the Senator’s marble sarcophagus, made from Vermont marble.

Stephen A Douglas.
Born: April 23, 1813
Died: June 3, 1861
Tell my children to obey the Laws and uphold the Constitution.

Above the sarcophagus is a marble bust of the Senator.

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

ALLEGORICAL FIGURES
At the four main corners of the mausoleum, pedestals hold large bronze allegorical figures
portraying “Illinois,” “History,” “Justice,” and “Eloquence.