General Grant National Memorial

The General Grant National Memorial, more commonly known as Grant’s Tomb, in New York is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant.

History of the General Grant National Memorial

Ulysses S. Grant was the eighteenth President of the United States, first elected in 1868 and again in 1872. A fierce military leader, Grant led the Union forces to victory in Civil War battles such as Vicksburg and Chattanooga before claiming the ultimate victory – the surrender of Confederate forces – at Appomattox in 1865. In fact, Grant was already a veteran by the time he served in the American Civil War, having also served in the Mexican Wars.

Grant’s Tomb is a vast peak-domed complex in New York in which visitors can see this famous general’s tomb and learn more about his life and achievements. In fact, it is North America’s largest tomb and was completed 12 years after Grant’s death. Julia, Grant’s wife, is also interred here.

The cost of the tomb was crowdfunded – over 90,000 people donated to the fund, which resulted in almost $600,000 being raised for initial construction. The tomb is unmistakeably military in its influence and has been restored considerably in the second half of the 20th century after a period of neglect.

The General Grant National Memorial today

Visitors to the General Grant National Memorial can embark on self-guided tours and there are also free public tours hourly from 11am to 3pm. The memorial is open 10-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and is free. The Gaudi inspired benches around the mausoleum are a great spot to sit and contemplate the meaning of life, death and everything in between.

Getting to the General Grant National Memorial

The mausoleum is in Morningside Heights, Upper Manhattan. It’s a 10 minute walk from the nearest subway station, 116 Street – Columbia University. If you’re driving, it’s just off the Henry Hudson Parkway: you might struggle for parking.