Chicago South / Stephen A. Douglas Tomb - by Leonard W. Volk

Stephen A. Douglas Tomb

Architect: Leonard W. Volk

Year Built: 1881

Location: 35th Street and Cottage Grove Ave.

Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 28, 1977

The plaque reads..
United States Senator Stephen A. Douglas, who died in 1861 at the age of fourty-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..

The Douglas Monument Association was organized in 1861 to build a suitable memorial at the gravesite. 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.

At the four main corners of the mausoleum, pedestals hold large bronze allegorical figures portraying “Illinois,” “History,” “Justice,” and “Eloquence.”
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Above the main base of the column are four bronze bas reliefs representing “Important events in Illinois.”
More information on these bronze reliefs are welcome..
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On the east side, is the entrance to the small chamber, Inside, is a Vermont marble sarcophagus which holds Douglas’ remains. It is surmounted by a marble bust of the Senator.
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For more on.. [click on the link]..
# Stephen A Douglas Monument..
# Stephen A Douglas Monument- II [Allegorical Sculptures]..
# Stephen A Douglas Monument- III [Bronze Reliefs]..
# Stephen A. Douglas Monumnet - IV [Tomb]..