Visiting General Grant National Memorial
Located along the Hudson River in upper Manhattan, General Grant National Memorial is a National Parks Site commemorating the life and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant. Visiting General Grant National Memorial is an excellent opportunity to learn about Grant’s legacy and a great addition to any New York City travel itinerary.
When visiting, consider adding a visit to the nearby Hamilton Grange National Memorial as well!
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Ulysses S. Grant and the General Grant National Memorial
Ulysses S. Grant was a Civil War general and 18th president of the United States. Despite his stellar reputation as a general, Grant’s legacy as president was marred with scandal. In fact, many historians long considered him a failure as president.
Only recently have historians credited President Grant as ahead of his time when it came to race relations in the United States. As president, he advocated against the disenfranchisement of African Americans and signed laws to grant them equal rights.
What to Expect When Visiting General Grant National Memorial
The General Grant National Memorial, often referred to as Grant’s Tomb, takes approximately 30-minutes to see in its entirety. The imposing tomb is built in the Neoclassical style with tall columns and a grand dome on top.
The interior of the monument is modeled after Napoleon’s tomb in Paris. The entrance level contains a circular balcony overlooking the marble coffins of General Grant and his wife, Julia.
During the US Civil War, Grant served as a general in the Union Army. Throughout his tenure as general he won many battles, which are highlighted in two alcoves on the main level of the monument. Directly across from the entrance is a mosaic mural depicting General Lee’s surrender to Grant and the end of the Civil War.
During your visit to General Grant National Memorial, be sure to enter the crypt on the lower level. This is where Grant and his wife are interred. The inlets along the walls of the crypt contain busts of five of Grant’s top lieutenants.
Access to the visitor center is located outside on the western side of the tomb. There is not much in the visitor center itself, but a short video gives an overview of Grant’s legacy and is worth watching.
Tips for Visiting the General Grant National Memorial
- Once inside the tomb, ask one of the park rangers for an introduction to the monument. Tours may be held sporadically, but the rangers are happy to tell you about the construction of the tomb, President Grant’s legacy, and the artifacts.
- The visitor center is small but worth visiting to watch the short 10-minute film on General Grant’s life.
Did You Know? (5 Facts about Ulysses S. Grant)
- The “S” in Ulysses S. Grant doesn’t actually stand for anything. It was erroneously added to his name when he was recommended to West Point and followed him throughout his career.
- General Grant is credited with delivering the first Civil War victory for the Union Army, overtaking the Confederate Army at Tennessee’s Fort Donelson.
- When he was elected president in 1869 at the age of 46, Ulysses S. Grant was the youngest president to have ever been elected.
- As president, Grant worked to reconcile the North and South in post-Civil War America, as well as protect the civil rights of African Americans.
- Shortly before his death, Grant’s entire fortune was stolen by one of his business partners. So as not to leave his wife penniless after his death, Grant spent his final days writing his memoirs (which were published by Mark Twain). Grant died only days after his memoirs were published.
Final Thoughts on Visiting General Grant National Memorial
Grant’s Tomb is a small site that doesn’t take long to see (give yourself about 30-minutes to see it all) but is worth a visit if you are in the area. The site is part of the National Parks Service, so bring your National Parks passport to get it stamped.
If you visit the memorial, be sure to spend some time walking in the adjacent Riverside Park. The park spans 4-miles of Manhattan’s west side and has scenic views of the Hudson River.
Overall, whether you’re local to the area or just visiting, Grant’s Tomb is a worthwhile attraction. I hope you visit and enjoy learning something about this once underrated US President.