Chicago South: Bronzeville / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial – by Leonard W. Volk

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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..

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Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

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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.

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

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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.

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Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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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.

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Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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

 

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Illinois / Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Illinois / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Illinois / Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Illinois / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

History / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

History / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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 Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Justice / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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 Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Justice / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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 Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Eloquence / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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 Stephen A. Douglas  Memorial

Eloquence / Stephen A. Douglas Memorial

 

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Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Upside down torch, symbolizing end of life.. / Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

 

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Upside down torch, symbolizing end of life.. / Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

Upside down torch, symbolizing end of life.. / Tomb of Stephen A. Douglas

 

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RELATED LINKS

The King Drive Gateway Project.. click here..
Chicago, Public Art Bronzeville.. click here..
Chicago, Art by Location.. click here..

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