Stephen A. Douglas Tomb-- Part 6: His Tomb and Memorial

He was buried in Chicago near Lake Michigan.  Immediately after his death, an association of prominent Chicagoans was formed to oversee the construction of a  suitable tomb and monument for a man of his important stature.  But, they failed to raise the sufficient funds for it.

In 1865, the state of Illinois purchased  the tomb from Douglas' widow, Adele Douglas, for $25,000.  On June 3, 1868, Douglas' remains were placed in the completed portion of the tomb
Leonard Volk, a relative of Douglas, designed the tomb and monument.

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed Volk's plans for the unfinished structure.  The tomb was completed in May 1881, at the cost of $90,000.

The memorial was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 28, 1977.    The tomb is maintained by the Illinois Historic Preservation  Agency.

--Old Secesh