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Saturday, March 14, 2009

National Parks: General Grant National Memorial



General Grant National Memorial

Located at 122nd Street and Riverside Drive

This memorial to Ulysses S. Grant, victorious Union commander of the Civil War, includes the tomb of General Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. A West Point graduate, Grant served in the Mexican War and at various frontier posts, before rapidly rising through the ranks during the Civil War. Grant's tenacity and boldness led to victories in the Battles of Vicksburg and Chattanooga and Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, scenes depicted by mosaics in the tomb. In 1866 Congress awarded Grant his fourth star making him the first full General of the Armies.

A grateful nation twice elected Grant to serve as President of the United States, from 1869 to 1877. Grant's accomplishments include signing the act establishing the first national park, Yellowstone, on March 1, 1872. After the Presidency, Grant settled in New York City. Grant died of throat cancer on July 23, 1885 in Mount McGregor, New York, and was laid to rest in New York City on August 8.

Approximately 90,000 people from around the country and the world donated a total of over $600,000 towards construction of his tomb, the largest public fundraising effort ever at that time. Designed by architect John Duncan, the granite and marble structure was completed in 1897 and remains the largest mausoleum in North America. Over one million people attended the parade and dedication ceremony of Grant's Tomb, on April 27, 1897.

Exhibits/Tours: General Grant National Memorial is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving Day (3rd Thursday in November, Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1). The site may also close due to inclement weather, such as severe snow storms.

Grant's Memorial was designed to be self guided. However, at 10 am, noon and 2 pm, National Park Service staff will provide an introductory talk about the history and culture of the site. Depending on audience requests, staff will also guide visitors to the more important and interesting features of the site.

Getting There: The 1 trains stop at West 116th St. Station at Broadway. Walk six blocks north, and two blocks west. Those wishing to take the bus should take the M5 to 122nd St. and Riverside Drive. Additionally, most NYC tour buses stop at Grant's Tomb if requested.

Contact Information: (212) 666-1640 or www.nps.gov/gegr

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