Lincoln Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Couch Tomb

Hidden Truths

Photographed by Alan Gornik, April 28, 2010

1. Couch Tomb Marker Hidden Truths closeup

Inscription. This stone vault is the oldest structure standing within the Chicago Fire zone. It was erected in 1858 for Ira Couch, a wealthy hotelier who died at age 50 while wintering in Cuba. Though some theories exist, there is no official answer as to why this tomb was left behind on the site of the Chicago City Cemetery. Varying accounts of the number entombed suggest 7 to 13 or merely Ira alone.

This two-part project by Pamela Bannos continues on the Internet: http:/hiddentruths.northwestern.edu

Erected 2008 by Northwestern University CIRA and URGC Research Grants.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Chicago's Surviving Pre-Fire Structures, and the The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 41° 54.791′ N, 87° 37.908′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lincoln Park. It is at the intersection of West La Salle Street and North Stockton Street, on the right when traveling east on West La Salle Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker: Chicago is Zhegagoynak (a few steps from this marker); Chicago is Curious (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Couch Tomb (within shouting distance of this marker); The Richard M. and Shirley H. Jaffee History Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago is Resilient (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago is Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago is Community (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Potter's Field (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Couch Tomb. This is one in a series of six markers in Lincoln Park intended for display May-November, 2008.

Also see . . . Hidden Truths: The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now. This two-part project by Pamela Bannos continues on the internet. (Submitted on August 26, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Couch Tomb Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, August 18, 2008

2. Couch Tomb Marker

On the reverse of each marker is a map of the 1863 City Cemetery layout. The white dots indicate the marker placements. The red dot indicates that marker's placement in the context of the City Cemetery grounds.

Couch Tomb and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker

3. Couch Tomb and Marker

Couch Tomb Marker original sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Gornik, April 28, 2010

4. Couch Tomb Marker original sign

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,205 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 1, 2010, by Alan Gornik of Western Springs, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on May 1, 2010, by Alan Gornik of Western Springs, Illinois. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.