The General Grant National Memorial, also known as Grant’s Tomb, is the largest tomb in North America, located in Manhattan. It was built in memory of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. Visitors can take a self-guided or free guided tour, and there are events held at the memorial throughout the year. There are no restaurants or restrooms on the grounds due to a supposed wish of Julia Grant, General Grant’s wife.
The General Grant National Memorial, also known as Grant’s Tomb, is located in the Morningside Heights area of Manhattan, New York. Located in Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River, it is the largest tomb in North America. The General Grant National Memorial was completed in 1897 in memory of the accomplishments of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and commander of the Union Army during the Civil War.
Inside the General Grant National Memorial, there are two graves. One grave is for General Grant and the other is for Julia Dent Grant, his wife. The memorial contains mosaics depicting scenes from the Civil War. The mosaics tell the story of the surrender of Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee to General Grant. They also show General Grant’s victorious victories for the Union at the battles of Chattanooga and Vicksburg during the Civil War.
Elected to serve two terms as President of the United States, General Grant worked to bring the two sides of the Civil War together to once again form one nation. When he finished his second term, he settled in New York, dying in 1885 of throat cancer. Prior to his death, he indicated that he wanted his body to remain in New York. As a result, after his death, some 90,000 people from around the world participated in the largest fundraiser of the time: they raised more than US$600,000 to build the tomb in New York.
John Duncan designed the General Grant National Memorial mausoleum. It was built in marble and granite. When it was completed in 1897, more than a million people attended the parade and ceremony that dedicated the tomb.
Visitors to the General Grant National Memorial can take a self-guided tour or a free guided tour. Guided tours take place at specific times each day. During the winter months or when visits are slow, guided tours may be less frequent.
At certain times of the year, there are events held at the General Grant National Memorial. For example, there are often jazz concerts held outside the grave. Also, National Park Service rangers sometimes give presentations about General Grant.
There are no restaurants or restrooms located on the General Grant National Memorial grounds. Interestingly, the lack of toilet facilities is due to an old folk tale. Mrs Julia Grant is believed to have stated that she does not want public toilets near her grave. The National Park Service has respected her supposed wishes, so visitors should use the restroom before entering the memorial.
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