Dimensions: Figure of Douglas: approx. H. 9 ft. 9 in.; Column: approx. H. 86 ft. 3 in.; Mausoleum: approx. 10 x 20 x 20 ft.; Relief panels: approx. H. 3 ft. W. 8 ft.; Each allegorical female figure: approx. 5 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 ft.; Each base: approx. 5 ft. 5 in. x 4 ft. x 4 ft.
Inscription: (On relief panels:) L. W. Volk 1880 (On allegorical female figures, bottom back:) M. J. Power Bronze Founder N.Y. (On bottom left side of figures): L. W. Volk Sculpt. 1879 signed Founder's mark appears.
Description: Douglas' body is in a sarcophagus of white marble which is topped by a marble bust of Douglas. The small mausoleum that contains the tomb is flanked by four freestanding bases which hold seated allegorical female figures: Fortune relates the story of Illinois; History records the story; Justice rests her hand on a sheathed sword; Eloquence points to the statue of Douglas above. The mausoleum supports a 46-foot column on top of which is a figure of Douglas. His hair has a natural, slightly unruly look and his waistcoat strains at the buttons. Four additional bronze panels on the base of the column depict the advancement of European civilization in America.
Remarks: The tomb is on land that was part of Douglas' estate, Oakenwald, and is maintained as an Illinois state memorial park with informal gardens. IAS files contain complete transcription of inscription which appears on a nearby plaque.
From (
visit link) "Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861) was a U.S. politician, leader of the Democratic Party, and orator who espoused the cause of popular sovereignty in relation to the issue of slavery in the territories before the American Civil War (1861-1865). He was re-elected senator from Illinois in 1858 after a series of eloquent debates with the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, who defeated him in the presidential race two years later."
Civil War Confederate POW "Camp Douglas", named after him, was on this site between Cottage Grove - Giles and 31st - 33rd. It was one of the largest POW camps in the North, holding up to 10,000 rebel soldiers. Over 4000 died, many due to poor sanitary and medical facilities at the camp. Monument is at about SE corner of former camp.
Also Designated a Chicago Landmark on September 28, 1977 and marked with a plaque reading: "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 door to the sarcophagus was not open when I visited, but here is a link to a photo: (
visit link)
The monument is one of the most visible in Chicago, and one of the oldest.