General Grant National Memorial. Who is Buried in Grant's Tomb?
Written: Dec 04 '06 (Updated Dec 04 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful Structure in a quiet part of NYC
Cons: Out of the way and little street parking.
The Bottom Line: A National Site that holds history lessons to be learned. It's also a pleasant place to visit that briefly takes one away from busy city life.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: General Grant National Memorial |
The answer to this trick question of "Who is buried in Grant's tomb is "No one". Two people are entombed there though. They are above ground in North America's largest mausoleum. One massive coffin shaped marble structure entombs Ulysses S. Grant and the other holds the body of his wife Julia Dent Grant. Officially known as Grant National Memorial it is considered a national landmark and is operated by the National Park Service. Park Rangers are on site during opening hours 9AM-5PM. The monument was included on to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
General Grant
Though I could write so much more about the man he is know mostly for his strategic victories in the American Civil War and his accepting surrender from General Lee at the Appomattox Courthouse in 1865. He was a twice elected president of the United States who was respected for his stand for the civil rights of former slaves after the war.
It was President Grant who signed an act establishing the first national park, Yellowstone. Grant lived in New York his final five years. He asked that he not be buried in Washington DC.
Bleak Past
This massive monument built in 1897 to honor Ulysses S. Grant was a graffiti-filled building that was rundown and unkempt in the later half of the 1900s. It was a national as well as NYC disgrace. It no longer is such. Fortunately in the late 1990s NYC cleaned up the area and the National Parks service has this place well in hand. It is a sparkling clean massive structure. I recommend it as one of the National Monuments in NYC to see.
It is located in beautiful surroundings of a park overseeing the Hudson River. It doesn't take all that long to see and study the monument so be sure to spend a little time in the park area. I mention a couple of other nearby sites to see afterward.
A Short one Hour Visit
Having some extra time between two gigs I had on Saturday and being uptown on 79th street I thought I would travel north another mile or so to the lovely Morningside Heights section of Manhattan to visit the monument located at 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. I did find a parking spot on the street just steps from the monument.
When standing in front of the building I was able to really see the grandeur of this Beaux-Arts civic triumphalism structure. Its domed top is impressive. On the front, well above the columns are the words, "Let Us Have Peace". A park ranger was in a small kiosk outside. Three others were inside at the small desk that also worked as the register area for some souvenir items including books, Civil War items and more.
I also took a moment to have an ink stamp of the memorial placed on their official General Grant National Memorial pamphlet that I will cut out and enter into my National Passport book. These books are sold at this place and all National Parks and such and is a good way to "collect" parks. I have my book stamped from parks all over our nation. The book goes for about $7. I think it a wonderful investment, especially for children.
One of the rangers welcomed me and started to give some basics about the structure and its history. He was able to field any question I had about Grant. The dome was even more impressive from the inside, though the monument doesn't cover all that large an area inside. It has one large room with steps that go downstairs to the level of the tombs that can be seen from above. The room is rather stark and echoes reflected off the massive marble stones.
All around the circumference are showcases and information about Grant's life and deeds. I spent about a half hour reading these. The ranger gave me about fifteen minutes of his time. Scheduled tours are made. I did not take one but the personal attention I received gave me detailed information. Two small circular rooms housed flags and walls marking battle sites of the Civil War.
Last Thoughts
General Grant National Memorial is located in the beautiful surroundings of a park overseeing the Hudson River. There is some nearby street parking but it can be a bit difficult to find a parking spot in the busier Summer months.
It doesn't take all that long to see and study the monument, I did it in less than an hour. I believe it is important to go on a tour or engage a park ranger to get the full appreciation of the the structure, its history and a good idea of who Grant was and why he was so popular.
Be sure to spend a little time in the park area. Just across the street is Riverside Church. I'll also mention that a nearby stop is the largest cathedral in North America, St John the Divine located on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street. I have been there and it is worth the time to see it while at this, off the beaten path, section of Manhattan.
I'll note that there are no restrooms in the building. This was a request from Mrs. Grant that there never be any in the structure. A new visitors center with restrooms is planned to be constructed at the back area outside the monument. I'll update when it is acted upon.
Though I would not rate this as a MUST NYC place to visit, it is a National Site and holds wonderful history lessons to be learned. It's also a pleasant place to visit that briefly takes one away from busy city life. Though I rated this site three stars, add an extra star if you love history as I do.
Other National Sites in New York City
The Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Castle Clinton National Memorial
Federal Hall National Historic SiteDowntown across from Wall Street, our first Capitol Building was there.
Battery Park Home of the temporary 9/11 memorial.
Recommended:
Yes
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