The Mystery of the Tomb
The General Grant National Memorial in New York City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, drawing over one million visitors every year. But aside from the impressive tomb and the spectacular view of the Hudson River, most visitors don’t know the story behind the tomb and the two men who are buried there. The answer to the question “Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?” is surprisingly simple: Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia Dent Grant.
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was an American soldier and politician, who served as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877. He is best remembered for his victories in the Civil War, as well as his leadership in the Reconstruction period that followed. Grant was also the youngest president to serve, at the age of 46.
Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, rising to the rank of captain in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, Grant served as the 18th President of the United States, and is credited with restoring the Union. He died on July 23, 1885, at the age of 63.
Julia Dent Grant
Julia Dent Grant was the wife of Ulysses S. Grant, and was born on January 26, 1826, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of a slave-owning family, and met Grant while he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis. The two were married on August 22, 1848, and had four children together.
Julia was a devoted wife to Grant, and always supported him in his military and political career. She was known to be a gracious hostess, and often invited distinguished guests to the White House. After Grant’s death in 1885, Julia lived another 27 years, dying on December 14, 1912, at the age of 86.
The Grant Memorial
The General Grant National Memorial was built to honor the memory of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. The memorial was designed by John H. Duncan, and was completed in 1897. The memorial is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, and sits atop a hill overlooking the Hudson River. The structure is made of granite and marble, and features a central rotunda, a library, and a museum.
The memorial was originally constructed as a mausoleum, and the two inner chambers house the tombs of Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Dent Grant. The tombs are made of red granite and are surrounded by a bronze railing. The tombs are inscribed with the words “Let Us Have Peace,” which were Grant’s last words.
The Legacy of Grant's Tomb
The General Grant National Memorial is a popular tourist attraction in New York City, and is often referred to as “Grant’s Tomb.” The memorial is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia, and serves as a reminder of their love, devotion, and service to their country. The two are buried side by side, and their tomb is a testament to their lives and their shared commitment to the cause of freedom and justice.
The General Grant National Memorial is open to the public and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the life of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. The memorial is a reminder of the important role they played in American history, and the answer to the question “Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?” is simple: Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia Dent Grant.
