Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a 9.65-acre United States National Historic Site located 10 mi southwest of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, within the municipality of Grantwood Village, Missouri. The site, also known as White Haven, commemorates the life, military career and presidency of Ulysses S. Grant.
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The Ulysses S Grant NHS was the birth home of his wife, Julia Dent. The 1795 home and its 850 acre plantation was purchased by Colonel Frederick Dent in 1820 for $6,000. At that time, Colonel Dent named this home "White Haven" after his family home in Maryland. With slave labor, Dent raised wheat, oat, potatoes and corn. Surrounding orchards and gardens supplied produce for personal use.
Marrying Julia Dent in 1848, Ulysses S Grant continued his military service in Michigan and New York. They returned to White Haven for the birth of their first child in 1850. In 1852, Grant was reassigned to a military position in the west. With Julia pregnant again, she remained at White Haven. After two years of loneliness, Grant resigned his army commission in 1854.
From 1854 until 1859, the Grants and their four children lived at White Haven. During this time, Ulysses S Grant managed the plantation for his father-in-law, Colonel Dent.
With the start of the Civil War, Ulysses S Grant returned to a commission in the US Army.
White Haven was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1986, it was listed as a National Historic Place. Under the NPS, it became the Ulysses S Grant NHS in 1989.
White Haven and its remaining 9.65 acres is located about 10 miles southwest of St Louis. The NPS site currently protects 5 historical buildings including the White Haven historic estate, the 1872 horse stable, a summer kitchen, an ice house and chicken coop.
The visitor center contains a theater and small educational bookstore. Guided tours of White Haven begin here. Additional museum exhibits are located in the horse stable. Visitors can walk around the remaining grounds.
On a side note, the log cabin "Hardscrabble" was built here by Ulysses S Grant in 1856 for his family. Colonel Dent had given 80 acres to the Grants as a wedding present, where the rustic home was built. Purchased by the Busch family in 1907, Hardscrabble was moved one mile away to the Busch amusement park Grant's Farm.
Grant's Farm and Ulysses S Grant NHS are different places, located very close...
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The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, Missouri, commemorates the life and legacy of the 18th President of the United States. Here's what you can expect to see:
Grant's Home: The site features the White Haven estate, where Grant lived with his wife Julia Dent Grant from 1854 to 1859. Historic Buildings: The property includes several historic buildings, such as the main house, a slave quarters, and a barn. Museum: The visitor center offers exhibits and artifacts showcasing Grant's life, military career, and presidency. Gardens and Grounds: The site includes beautifully restored gardens and grounds, reflecting the Grant family's love of nature. Living History Programs: Rangers and volunteers offer living history programs, reenactments, and guided tours.
Highlights and Insights:
Grant's time at White Haven was a significant period in his life, where he struggled with slavery and ultimately freed the slaves he inherited. The site provides insight into Grant's relationship with his wife Julia and their family life. White Haven was also a working farm, and visitors can explore the agricultural aspects of the estate. The site is a testament to Grant's humble beginnings and his rise to becoming one of America's most important historical figures.
Tips and Recommendations:
Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the site. Guided tours are available, but self-guided visits are also welcome. Check the park's website for special events and living history programs. Consider visiting the nearby Jefferson Barracks Historic Park, where Grant began his military career.
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site offers a unique perspective on the life and legacy of one of America's most important presidents, showcasing his personal struggles, relationships, and rise...
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I came here on a whim while needing to fill the time before a concert I was in town for. I am a fan of getting my NPS Passport stamped, so I was delighted that this location was on the list. This site was originally owned by slave owners, which the tour guides do a great job addressing at the beginning of the tour, but this information may be difficult for young kids if not prepared. Nothing explicit, however.
As of summer 2022, masks are required. If you forgot yours, the front desk will provide you one and you do not need to wear one when outside.
Welcome Center Features postal box if you're on the road and need to mail your postcards. Clean, large restrooms. Gift shop with lots of neat quotes from Ulysses S. Grant. An optional but educational film is played ever 30 minutes or so. You get your NPS cancellation stamps here.
The House & Grounds This place is so neat! You can take a guided tour into the home where Grant's wife's family lived (and eventually Grant) during the 1800s. The color of the house was "Paris Green" and was selected as a way to flex the family's wealth back in the Victorian era. You can visit the summer kitchen, winter kitchen, the laundry room, chicken coop, ice house, and tour the entire first floor of the home.
Museum There are artifacts and information in the welcome center, but in addition to that is a full museum featuring many items including Grant's uniform from his days in the Civil War. There are interactive galleries and elements for all ages to enjoy - plus it is air...
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