By Kassidy W.
Description: Stephen Douglas
Image copyright: http://www.teachersparadise.com/ency/en/media/3/34/sm_stephen_a_douglas_3c10141v.jpg
(1813 – 1861)
Brandon, Vermont
Stephen Douglas was an American politician from the western state of Illinois. He supported the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision of 1857. 1. He entered Canandaigua Academy in 1832 and studied law. Later he lost to the Republican Party’s appoint Abraham Lincoln. 2. His opinion was that states should make own slave laws. 3. His nickname was “the little giant” because he was short of stature but was considered by many a giant in politics. He had a large head and broad shoulders. 4. Later he helped make Chicago a major hub of railroads. 5. He got married on April 7,1853. His wife died soon after. Stephen got remarried on November 20,1856. 6. He died shortly after the beginning of the civil war in Chicago on June 3rd, 1861 at the age of 48 years old. His senate years were 1847-1861.