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Douglas Tomb State Historic Site: A Monument to Statesmanship

Explore the legacy of Stephen Douglas at his Chicago tomb, a monument to American political history and the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

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Visit the final resting place of U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas, famed for his debates with Abraham Lincoln. This historic site in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood features a towering monument and offers insights into Douglas's life and legacy.

A brief summary to Douglas Tomb State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekend when the tomb is open to view the sarcophagus.
  • Check the schedule for special ceremonies commemorating Douglas's birth and death anniversaries.
  • Enjoy a walk or picnic in the landscaped grounds surrounding the tomb.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Burnham Wildlife Corridor, accessible via a pedestrian bridge from the Lakefront Trail.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Douglas Tomb State Historic Site is accessible via Chicago public transportation. Take the CTA Red Line to the 35th Street station. From there, walk east on 35th Street for approximately 0.3 miles (5-10 minutes) to reach the site. A single ride on the CTA Red Line costs $2.50. Alternatively, CTA bus routes also serve the area. Check the CTA website or app for specific bus routes and schedules. A single bus fare is $2.25.

  • Walking

    If you are near Chicago's lakefront or the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, you can walk to the Douglas Tomb State Historic Site. A pedestrian bridge connects the Lakefront Trail to the site. From the trail, follow signs to 35th Street and the Douglas Tomb. The walk from the lakefront is approximately 0.5 miles and should take about 10-15 minutes.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Douglas Tomb State Historic Site will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The ride is approximately 5 miles and should take 15-20 minutes. Limited street parking is available on 35th Street near the site. There is no on-site parking.

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Discover more about Douglas Tomb State Historic Site

The Douglas Tomb State Historic Site commemorates Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861), a prominent U.S. Senator best known for his debates with Abraham Lincoln regarding slavery. Located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, the site provides a glimpse into the life and times of this influential figure. The centerpiece is a 96-foot granite and marble structure, begun in 1866 and completed in 1881. Inside, a Vermont marble sarcophagus holds Douglas's remains, topped by a marble bust. Bronze allegorical figures representing “Illinois,” “History,” “Justice,” and “Eloquence” stand at the mausoleum's corners. Bas-reliefs depict stages in American civilization's advance, and a nine-foot bronze statue of Douglas overlooks Lake Michigan. The grounds are landscaped with trees and flower beds. Informational plaques detail Douglas's life and contributions. The site offers a peaceful setting for reflection on American governance and civil rights evolution. The Stephen A. Douglas Association co-sponsors ceremonies near Douglas's birth (April 23) and death (June 3) anniversaries.

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