Grant's Tomb, officially known as the General Grant National Memorial, is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Commanding General during the Civil War, and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. The tomb is located in New York City and was completed in 1897.
Grant's Tomb has a rich history. Construction began in 1891, six years after Grant's death, and was completed in 1897. It is the largest mausoleum in North America and was inspired by the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The tomb was designed by architect John Duncan, and over one million people attended its dedication ceremony on April 27, 1897. Julia Grant was later interred beside her husband after her death in 1902. In 1958, the site was designated as a National Memorial.
Grant's Tomb is an impressive architectural achievement in the Classical Revival style. The structure features Doric columns surrounding the exterior and is constructed primarily of granite and marble. It has a large dome inspired by ancient mausoleums. Inside, visitors can see the red granite sarcophagi where Ulysses and Julia Grant are interred. The interior also features beautiful mosaic murals depicting scenes from Grant's military career. The main crypt is located in a circular chamber below the main floor. The tomb's design emphasizes Grant's significance in American history through its monumental scale and classical elements.
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio in 1822. After graduating from West Point in 1843, he served in the Mexican-American War. Grant rose to prominence during the American Civil War, where he led Union forces to victory as Commanding General. His successful military strategy was crucial in defeating the Confederate forces. Following the war, Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1869 to 1877. During his presidency, he fought corruption and strongly supported civil rights for freed slaves. In his final years, while suffering from throat cancer, Grant wrote his personal memoirs, which are considered among the finest military autobiographies ever written. He completed them just days before his death on July 23, 1885. His remains, along with those of his wife Julia, are interred in Grant's Tomb in New York City.
To summarize what we've learned: Grant's Tomb contains the remains of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States and the Commanding General who led Union forces to victory in the Civil War. The tomb, officially known as the General Grant National Memorial, is located in New York City and was completed in 1897. It stands as the largest mausoleum in North America and was designated as a National Memorial in 1958. The tomb's architecture was inspired by classical designs, particularly the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and features granite construction with Doric columns and a large dome.