Exploring General Grant National Memorial in New York City
This past week, we had the opportunity to explore another National Park Site in the city of New York: the General Grant National Memorial. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of the Upper West Side, the Memorial honors Ulysses S. Grant, a decorated Civil War General of Union troops and the 18th American President, who established the first National Park (Yellowstone) and the Department of Justice and was a champion of the 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote.
Grant passed away in 1885, shortly after writing his memoirs, which were later published with help from Mark Twain. Grant’s funeral in New York City was attended by over one million people who lined the funeral route from City Hall to Riverside Drive, with virtually every member of the federal government attending. The 150 foot Memorial opened in the spring of 1897 and was the most popular attraction in New York City for decades, welcoming close to a million visitors each year. Today, the National Park Service oversees the upkeep of the property and National Park rangers provide information and programs and special events showcasing the life and legacy of Grant.
Travel Tips:
Make Sure to Explore:
- The Mausoleum and crypt: Because military cemeteries did not allow women to be buried with their husbands, Grant decided to have a separate burial place where his wife, Julia, could eventually be laid to rest next to him. He chose New York City, his home after his military and governmental service, as his final resting place. An association was established to campaign and raise funds for a memorial to Grant after his death. The memorial, including the Mausoleum and crypt, opened in 1897. In 1902 Julia was laid to rest next to him in the crypt, with her tomb being slightly elevated above her husband. The crypt also includes five bronze busts of five generals Grant admired. The upper level of the Mausoleum includes three mosaic lunettes of scenes depicting Grant as a General in battle, four pendentives of Grant’s life in the angles of the dome, and replica battle flags.
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- The Visitor Center: Located across Riverside Drive on the west side of the Memorial, the Visitor Center, opened in 2011, is located down a flight of stairs under the Pavillion. The Center included a 20 minute video narration of Grant’s life and accomplishments and a few displays and placards featuring prominent accomplishments throughout Grant’s life. Park rangers staff the Visitor Center and offer advice and answer questions about the park site and surrounding areas.
- The Grounds: Commemorating the 100th birthday of Grant’s designation of Yellowstone as the first National Park in America, dozens of mosaic tile benches form a 400 foot border around ¾ of the outside of the Memorial. It took a team of hundreds of artists, architects, and local volunteers three years (1972-1974) to complete the project, whose primary goal was to beautify the area, which had become run down in the 1970s. The project is currently undergoing restoration in the 2020s.
- Sakura Park: Located across Riverside Drive on the east side of the Memorial, the two acre Sakura Park includes walking paths, a statue honoring Civil War hero General Daniel Butterfield (known for writing the military “Taps”), and a small sand pit and swing set for children. The name Sakura is Japanese for “cherry blossom” and pays homage to the 2,000 cherry trees that were gifted to New York City in 1912 to honor Japanese New Yorkers.
Looking for other adventures on the Upper West Side? Check out our features of the American Museum of National History, the New-York Historical Society, and Lincoln Center, as well as our full Manhattan City Guide. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
