Grant's Tomb (General Grant National Memorial) | New York

The General Grant National Memorial, commonly known as Grant’s Tomb, is a monumental mausoleum located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, at Riverside Drive and West 122nd Street in New York City. It is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and commanding general who led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War, and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. This memorial is the largest mausoleum in North America and a major historical landmark dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of America’s most important military and political figures.

Historical Background

Ulysses S. Grant passed away on July 23, 1885. Following his death, Julia Grant, his widow, chose New York City as the site for his burial. The location was carefully choosed for its prominent and scenic vantage point overlooking the Hudson River, visible from both New York and New Jersey. A temporary tomb was initially constructed, but plans for a grand, permanent memorial quickly took shape.

The construction of the permanent memorial began in 1891 and was completed in 1897. The dedication ceremony took place on April 27, 1897, which was the 75th anniversary of Grant’s birth. The dedication was a massive event, attended by over one million people including President William McKinley, former presidents, military officials, and dignitaries, reflecting the immense respect and admiration Grant commanded. Julia Grant was later interred beside her husband in 1902.

Architecture and Design

The memorial was designed by architect John H. Duncan, whose design was inspired by classical monuments such as the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides in Paris.

Structure: The memorial is a large, granite and marble mausoleum standing approximately 150 feet tall. Its imposing dome and classical design make it a striking architectural landmark.

Materials: The exterior is constructed from Stony Creek granite, while the interior features white Carrara marble and Lee marble from Massachusetts, creating a dignified and serene environment.

Design Elements: The building’s design includes 20 massive Ionic columns supporting a grand dome, reminiscent of ancient Roman and Greek temples. The interior floor plan forms a cruciform (cross-shaped) layout, centered around a circular crypt.

Interior Features

Central Crypt: At the heart of the memorial lies the circular crypt, housing the sarcophagi of Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Grant. These sarcophagi are made from red Montello granite and weigh approximately 8.5 tons each, symbolizing the weight of Grant’s legacy.

Busts of Union Generals: Surrounding the crypt are marble busts of five key Union generals who served under Grant during the Civil War: William Tecumseh Sherman, George Henry Thomas, Edward Otho Cresap Ord, Philip Henry Sheridan, and James Birdseye McPherson. These busts honor the military leaders instrumental in the Union victory.

Mosaic Murals: In 1966, artist Allyn Cox added murals inside the memorial depicting major moments of Grant’s military career, including the Siege of Vicksburg, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the surrender at Appomattox Court House, visually narrating Grant’s path to victory.

Relief Sculptures: Allegorical reliefs by sculptor J. Massey Rhind decorate the pendentives (curved triangular sections) beneath the dome, representing stages of Grant’s life—birth, military service, civilian life, and death—offering symbolic storytelling through art.

Surrounding Grounds

Grant’s Tomb is situated within a section of Riverside Park, a beautifully landscaped area along the Hudson River designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The site includes the Overlook Pavilion, which provides visitors with panoramic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey across the water. The pavilion was restored and reopened in 2011, enhancing the visitor experience.

The grounds surrounding the tomb offer peaceful spaces for reflection and remembrance, including walkways, benches, and greenery that complement the solemnity of the memorial.

Visitor Information

Hours: The memorial is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission: There is no admission fee; the memorial is free to the public.

Visitor Center: The site includes an informational visitor center featuring exhibits about Grant’s life, military career, presidency, and the history of the memorial itself.

Access: The memorial is accessible via the New York City subway system, with the closest station being the 116th Street station on the 1, B, and C lines. There is limited parking nearby, but public transportation is the most convenient option.

Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Grant’s Tomb is not only a resting place but also a national symbol commemorating the life of a key figure in American history. Ulysses S. Grant is remembered for his military leadership that helped preserve the Union during the Civil War and for his presidency during Reconstruction, a challenging era in the nation’s effort to rebuild and reconcile.

The tomb represents unity and healing, standing as a monument to Grant’s efforts to restore the country after the war. It is managed by the National Park Service, recognized as a New York City Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Summary

Grant’s Tomb is a grand architectural and historical landmark dedicated to honoring Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. Its classical design, vast scale, and rich artistic details make it a place of solemn remembrance and national pride. As the largest mausoleum in North America, it attracts visitors interested in American history, architecture, and the legacy of one of the nation’s most influential leaders. The memorial continues to stand as a symbol of strength, unity, and dedication to the ideals for which Grant fought.