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Stephen A. Douglas: Quick Facts

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Today in History: Abraham Lincoln wins presidency • Nov. 6, 2026, 4:30 AM ET (Chicago Tribune)

Facts

Also Known As Stephen Arnold Douglas
Born April 23, 1813 • Vermont
Died June 3, 1861 (aged 48) • Chicago • Illinois
Title / Office United States Senate (1847-1861), United States
Political Affiliation Democratic Party
Role In Compromise of 1850 • Lincoln-Douglas debates • United States presidential election of 1852 • United States presidential election of 1856 • United States presidential election of 1860 • Freeport Doctrine

Photos and Videos

Stephen A. Douglas
Stephen A. Douglas
Stephen A. Douglas
Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln
1860 U.S. presidential election cartoon
1860 presidential campaign
Illustration of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debating outdoors before a crowd, with Lincoln gesturing and an American flag draped in front of the stage.
Map of the United States showing the results of the 1860 presidential election by state, with states colored to indicate the winning candidate: red for Abraham Lincoln (Republican), dark blue for John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democratic), tan for John Bell (Constitutional Union), and light blue for Stephen A. Douglas (Democratic). Each state is labeled with its number of electoral votes, and New Jersey is marked as splitting its votes between Lincoln and Douglas. An American flag is faintly sho
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