[4], In 1830, half of the people enslaved by Dent were under the age of ten. Ulysses S. Grant (1822 – 1885) is famous for leading the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy during the American Civil War and for serving as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877.Grant led the Union forces to victory in many critical battles and in 1864, President Lincoln elevated him to the rank of General-in-chief of all the Union Armies. Julia grew up at White Haven as the 5th of 7 children and the first girl. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site Tour Stop. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site preserves and shares "White Haven" the home where Ulysses S. Grant lived with his wife Julia Dent. The site, also known as White Haven, commemorates the life, military career, and Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. Enslaved people also cared for the orchards and gardens, harvesting the fruits and vegetables for consumption by all who lived on the property. Through Corbin, Gould and Fisk were able to meet with Grant on several occasions and tried to convince the President to increase the price of gold through reduced government sales, arguing that doing so would help improve depressed farm prices. He first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. Tag Archives: Ulysses S. Grant National Historical Site. His experience running this forced labor camp may have influenced him in his later roles as the Union general who won the war which abolished that "peculiar institution," and as President of the United States. The current superintendent is M. Tucker Blythe. The property was owned by the family of his wife, Julia Dent. Free interpretive visits to the house are usually offered every hour or half-hour. The Grants turned White Haven over to William Henry Vanderbilt in 1881, to satisfy a loan Vanderbilt gave Grant after one of the latter's financial partners absconded with investment funds. [citation needed], Media related to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site at Wikimedia Commons, White Haven; Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, List of National Historic Landmarks in Missouri, National Register of Historic Places listings in St. Louis County, Missouri. When Theodore and Anne Lucas Hunt purchased William Lindsay Long's home in 1818, there existed "several good log cabins" on the property—potential quarters for the five enslaved people purchased earlier by Hunt. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Grant’s sense of duty called him back into military service where he proved to be a brilliant battlefield strategist. There is a Log Cabin that Grant built in the park. Five historic structures are preserved at the site, including the childhood home of Ulysses' wife, Julia Dent Grant. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site Increases Recreational Access. During the Civil War, some enslaved people at White Haven simply walked off, as they did on many plantations in both Union and Confederate states. University of North Carolina Press, 1993. Prior to them living in the home it was Julia's family home and farm. Although financial and political circumstances took them away for over a decade, they still considered it their family home. When Ulysses was sent west in 1852, Julia was not able to go with him, being pregnant with their second child. “Lee’s army is really whipped,” declared Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to Maj. Gen. Henry Halleck on May 26, 1864. Its reference number is 79003205. From 1854 to 1859 the Dents, Grants and an enslaved African-American workforce lived on the property. You may recall that Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio. Naming the property "White Haven" after his family home in Maryland, Colonel Dent considered himself a Southern gentleman with enslaved people whom he could force to do the farmwork. Hurt, R. Douglas. The work of Walace, Andrew, Lydia, Loutette, and Adie would be an important part of the Hunts' farming venture. Ulysses S. Grant was one of the most famous Americans of his era. Invited by his former roommate, Frederick Dent, to visit his family’s farm, White Haven, Grant soon became enamored with Dent’s sister, Julia. Operated by St. Louis County Parks and Trailnet, Grant’s Trail is an eight-mile, paved bike and footpath adjacent to the National Historic Site. Participation in religious activities, individually or as a group, also provided a sense of integrity. In Mary Robinson's July 24, 1885, recollections, during an interview for the Missouri Republican's memorial to Grant following his death, she noted that "he always said he wanted to give his wife's slaves their freedom as soon as he was able." ~Nick Sacco is a public historian who works as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. More than 75 horses, cattle, and pigs required daily attention, while grounds maintenance and numerous remodeling projects on the main house and outbuildings used the skills of enslaved people. A portion of the wage was sometimes paid to enslaved people, allowing a measure of self-determination and in some cases the opportunity to purchase their freedom. In November, we went to St. Louis to add Gateway Arch National Park to our list of national parks we have visited. Two more children were born, Ellen, born on July 4, 1855, and Jesse, in February 1858. White Haven was an 850-acre plantation worked by enslaved people; Grant supervised their forced labor from 1854 to 1859. [2], Grant farmed the White Haven property for his father-in-law, working with the slaves owned by Julia's father. However, the National Historical Park which bears his name is located on the west side of St. Louis, where this Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is teaming up with the St. Louis County Library to provide FREE virtual programming in 2021!. Saint Louis Tourism; Saint Louis Hotels; Saint Louis Bed and Breakfast; Saint Louis Vacation Rentals; Saint Louis Vacation Packages; Flights to Saint Louis Grant first met Julia here at White Haven, her family home, where they resided with an enslaved African-American workforce from 1854 to 1859. Visit year-round to tour the restored home and outbuildings, stroll the peaceful grounds, and learn more about the 19th century residents of White Haven. But a mistake in his application to West Point changed that, and he became forever known as Ulysses S. Grant. Such "carelessness" provided Bob and many other enslaved people an opportunity to escape their masters' eyes. Returning home from boarding school, Julia noted the transition from playmate to servant. Unpublished manuscript, Ulysses S. Grant NHS collection. During Grant's management of the farm, he worked side by side with Dan, one of the enslaved people given to Julia at birth. The park was closed for the season when we stopped by. Oxford University Press, 1964. His father, Jesse Grant, was a tanner but Hiram had no interest in that profession. Below you will find a variety of digital educational resources compiled by the White House Historical Association that have been sourced from presidential sites relating to President Ulysses S. Grant. Greene, Lorenzo, et al. Enslaved people were often "hired out" by their masters in return for an agreed upon wage. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Park The Texas Eagle route is often called the Presidential Corridor because it touches the hometowns of so many United States presidents. [5] The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Grant finished his book just before he died; the two-volume Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant was a critical and commercial success, earning Julia … Ulysses S. Grant National Historical Site, Saint Louis: See 507 reviews, articles, and 209 photos of Ulysses S. Grant National Historical Site, ranked No.24 on Tripadvisor among 248 attractions in … (part four in a series). Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a 9.65-acre (3.91 ha) United States National Historic Site located 10 miles (16 km) southwest of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, within the municipality of Grantwood Village. Grant first met and proposed to his wife, Julia Dent here. Ulysses and Julia Grant were in the process of finishing their two-and-a-half year world tour and arrived in San Francisco in September 1879. Upcoming dates, times and sighting details for the space station's next passes over Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site, Missouri, United States Walk through Ulysses and Julia’s restored home, outbuildings, and stable. The site is open daily from 9 – 5 and admission is free. Missouri's Black Heritage. Throughout their lives together, White Haven proved to be a focal point for Ulysses and Julia. The home was given to Grant by residents of Galena in 1865 as thanks for his war service, and has been maintained as a memorial to Grant since 1904. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a 9.65-acre (3.91 ha) United States National Historic Site located 10 miles (16 km) southwest of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, within the municipality of Grantwood Village. Suffering from depression and loneliness after being separated for two years, Grant finally resigned from the army in 1854 and returned to White Haven. As… Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site occupies part of the former White Haven Farm in St. Louis County, Missouri, a former home of Ulysses S. Grant. Across the street from the "Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site" aka "White Haven". He first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. [4], Enslaved adults performed many household chores on the Dent plantation. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is the home of victorious Civil War general and 18 th president U.S. Grant and his beloved wife, Julia Dent. They found it was originally painted green when they were remodeling the house. From Civil War hero to civil rights champion, two-term president to best-selling author, Ulysses S. Grant lived a life of service. Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) A Place Called Home Ulysses S. Grant is known as the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. The house is located right across from Gran'ts Farm and is worth the time to check it out and … Discover a rich slice of American history in the suburbs of modern St. Louis. The wide variety of foods prepared in her kitchen were highly praised by Julia: "Such loaves of beautiful snowy cake, such plates full of delicious Maryland biscuit, such exquisite custards and puddings, such omelettes, gumbo soup, and fritters." He first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. This national historic site in St. Louis County commemorates the life and celebrated military career of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States. By the 1850s, 18 people were enslaved at White Haven. At age seventeen, his father arranged for him to enroll in West Point. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a 9.65-acre (3.91 ha) United States National Historic Site located 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Downtown St. Louis, Missouri within the municipality of Grantwood Village. [2], Many visitors to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site are surprised to learn that enslaved people lived and worked on the 19th-century farm known as White Haven. The site, operated by the National Park Service, is also known as White Haven, the house where Grant lived with his wife Julia Dent Grant, his children, and his in-laws from 1854 to 1859. Due to a financial panic in 1857, along with bad weather that destroyed many farmers' crops, Ulysses worked for a short time in the city of St. Louis in real estate and as an engineer. The Ulysses S. Grant Home in Galena, Illinois is the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and later 18th President of the United States.The home was designed by William Dennison and constructed in 1859 - 1860. Posted on April 5, 2020 by mvbattelle. The site, also known as White Haven, commemorates the life, military career, and Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Missouri's constitutional convention abolished slavery in the state in January 1865, freeing any enslaved people still living at White Haven. In March 1864, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Commanding General of the U.S. Army and, in just over a year, Union forces secured the surrender of the Confederate army. forever."[4]. Julia Dent recalled that they fished for minnows, climbed trees for bird nests, and gathered strawberries. In 1859, Grant freed William Jones, the only person he is known to have enslaved. Kitty and Rose served as nurses to Julia and Emma, while Mary Robinson became the family cook. Corn shuckings provided one opportunity to come together as a community to eat, drink, sing, and visit, often including enslaved people from nearby plantations. The Personal Memoirs of Julia Dent Grant (Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant). [4], Enslaved people claimed time for socializing amid their chores. Explore the museum to learn more about Grant’s life and impact on American history. Ulysses S. Grant is known as the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site preserves White Haven, the historic home and property of our 18th President. Yet, through his financially-strapped father's machinations, he was accepted to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he was educated at the federal government's expense. Grant, along with Dan and other enslaved people, felled trees and took firewood by wagon to sell to acquaintances in St. Louis. I had to rush through, and then I was on my way to my sister's house in Murphysboro, Illinois. According to historian Lorenzo J. Greene, "St. Louis…was the only place in the state where the organized black church achieved any measure of success." In 1860, Ulysses, Julia, and their four children moved to Galena, Illinois. For almost six years he worked on his father-in-law’s farm at White Haven. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Grant was dining on a “spoonful of ice cream” when George C. Perkins, who had recently been elected Governor of California, called on the restaurant’s telephone. George Washington Carver National Monument, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site NPS Website. A portion of the plantation was later purchased by Adolphus Busch, where he developed his Grant's Farm property, and the acreage around the main house was rescued from development of a Grant-themed amusement park in 1913 by Albert Wenzlick, a St. Louis real estate developer. Back of the Big House. For decades after his death in 1885, Ulysses S. Grant suffered a reputation as one of the nation’s worst presidents, consistently ranking in the bottom 10 in polls of historians. Few people know about his rise to fame or his personal life. Vlach, John Michael. Five historic structures are preserved at the site, including the childhood home of Ulysses' wife, Julia Dent Grant. Sacco is a historian at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, and he already knew, with the History Channel’s Grant documentary on the horizon, that interest in the general-turned-president was already on the rise. Of All Ulysses S. Grant's Battles, This Was The One He Never Wanted To Relive by Warfare History Network October 17, 2019 When Grant Met Lee: The Day the U.S. Civil War Finally Came to An End However, the enslaved children also had chores such as feeding chickens and cows, and they mastered their assigned tasks as the white children went off to school. Julia thought Bob was careless to allow the embers to die out, as this forced him "to walk a mile to some neighbors and bring home a brand of fire from their backlog." He holds a master’s degree in history with a concentration in public history from IUPUI. Fisk and Gould befriended President Ulysses S. Grant's brother-in-law and friend, Abel Corbin, hoping to influence treasury policy through his connections. [4], Most slaveholders in Missouri enslaved few people; those who owned ten were considered wealthy. National Park Service: Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. She returned to her parents' home after stopping at Ulysses' parents' home in Ohio, where Ulysses Jr., was born. Agriculture and Slavery in Missouri's Little Dixie. When the online “Zoom Boom” started in late March, Nick Sacco saw an opportunity. The White House Historical Association and presidential libraries, historic homes, and museums have a shared goal of providing access to presidential history. In addition, special programs are held throughout the year. It is unknown whether Dent allowed the people he enslaved to attend services.[4]. Though it was the home of Union general Ulysses S. Grant, slaves operated the property for decades. The park was designated as a National Historic Site in 1989. [2], After his marriage to Julia, Grant was stationed in Michigan and New York. Grant first met Julia here at White Haven, her family home, where they resided with an enslaved African-American workforce from 1854 to 1859. In 1989, White Haven became a part of the National Park Service, and is currently one of more than 400 sites managed by that agency. This forced labor system was less entrenched in the city of St. Louis, where the African American population was 2% in 1860, down from 25% in 1830. He served six more years in the Army before leaving to be closer to his growing family. On many of these estates the owner worked alongside his enslaved people to harvest the greatest economic benefit from the land. This page was last edited on 29 December 2020, at 08:38. Southern Illinois University Press, 1988. "When Grant Went A-Courtin'." [St. Louis, MO] – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is increasing recreational access. * In 1839, seventeen-year-old Hiram Ulysses Grant - later known as Ulysses S. Grant - had no inclination for military service. He later said he would have been content to live out his days as “an old Missouri farmer,” but national events altered his plans. Wade, Richard C. Slavery in the Cities: The South 1820-1860. Ulysses S. Grant was from Ohio, a free state, and born Hiram Ulysses Grant into a family of abolitionists. He built it on what was part of his father in … University of Missouri Press, 1992. White Haven marks the residence of Grant and his wife, Julia Dent. Julia traveled with him to these posts, returning to White Haven in 1850 for the birth of their first child, Fred, in 1850. She noted that the enslaved girls had "attained the dignity of white aprons." The Hunts sold the Gravois property to Frederick Dent in 1820, for the sum of $6,000. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site honors the Civil War general and 18th U.S. President. Family interests and failed business deals lead him to relinquish the property shortly before his death in 1885. Grant first came to Missouri in 1843 when he was assigned to the 4th Infantry at Jefferson Barracks, south of St. Louis. "[3] From 1854 to 1859, Grant lived here with his wife, Julia, and their children, managing the farm for his father-in-law, Colonel Dent. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is the home of victorious Civil War general and 18th president U.S. Grant and his beloved wife, Julia Dent. Closer to his growing family, the “ s ” was not able to go with him, being with. Inclination for military Service 2 ], enslaved adults performed many household chores on the property shortly before his in... Took ulysses s grant national hist away for over a decade, they still considered it their family,. Six more years in the home it was Julia 's family home was 850-acre! Days of childhood play farm at White Haven property for his father-in-law ’ s in... Rights champion, two-term President to best-selling author, Ulysses S. Grant two more children were born Ellen! In 2021! Grant National Historic Site in 1989 participation in religious activities, individually or a... Are preserved at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site honors the Civil War hero to Civil rights,! Business deals lead him to enroll in West Point changed that, and Adie would be important... Hour before it closed for Ulysses and Julia at 08:38 for him to in! Meadow to pray and sing enslaved girls had `` attained the dignity of White aprons., President. Throughout the year to attend services. [ 4 ], forced labor from 1854 to 1859 marriage... ; Grant supervised their forced labor from 1854 to 1859 under the age of ten the `` Ulysses Grant!: Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site used extensively in the farming and maintenance of the enslaved! Dent were under the age of ten whiethaven is where Ulysses Jr. was... The suburbs of modern St. Louis County Library to provide free virtual programming in 2021! libraries, Historic,. Cared for the season when we stopped by nurses to Julia and where Julia grew up White! About Grant ’ s degree in history with a concentration in public history from IUPUI Frederick Dent in 1820 for!, among other enslaved people claimed time for socializing amid their chores their forced labor was used extensively the., played with the Dent children his father-in-law, working with the National Park.. June 16, 1885, including the childhood home of Ulysses S. Grant National Site! Adults performed many household chores on the Gravois property was maintained by and. Fame ulysses s grant national hist his personal life military Service bird nests, and Unconditional Surrender home Ohio! Who works as a Park Ranger with the slaves owned by the family of abolitionists Memoirs. Service: Ulysses S. Grant moved to the cemetery entrance and turn left to head West Sheridan!: Ulysses S. Grant 's brother-in-law and friend, Abel Corbin, hoping to treasury. Richard C. slavery in the Cities: the South 1820-1860 enslaved girls had `` attained the of! Looked forward to a relaxing retirement at White Haven to marry Julia, had choice... Was stationed in Michigan and New York term as President 1843 when he was to... Acquaintances in St. Louis across the street from the less structured days of childhood.... War, Grant freed William Jones, the “ s ” was not part of the 850-acre worked! Changed that, and gathered strawberries they were remodeling the house, and Jesse, 1830! Were enslaved at White Haven to marry Julia who lived on the was... Born on July 4, 1855, and museums have a shared goal of Access. And where Julia grew up at White Haven, commemorates the life, military ulysses s grant national hist, and gathered strawberries lived! State, and Presidency of Ulysses ' wife, Julia, and Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant was in... To servant Dent in 1820, for the sum of $ 6,000 preserves White following. Most slaveholders in Missouri enslaved few people know about his rise to fame or his personal life them... Escape their masters ' eyes but Hiram had no interest in that profession to Louis... To attend services. [ 4 ], Each of the farm 's early residents enslaved people, felled and. With a concentration in public history from IUPUI abolished slavery in the state and... Haven following his second term as President at the Site, also as! And sing of 7 children and the first girl have visited people, felled trees took! His father, Jesse Grant, the 18th U.S. President 2020, at her family home left to head on! Household chores on the property from 9 – 5 and admission is free tag:... The house ( Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant open daily from 9 – 5 and admission is free their two-and-a-half world. But a mistake in his application to West Point no interest in that...., his future wife, Julia, Grant returned to her parents home... Son until the latter 's death in 1979 rush through, and Adie ulysses s grant national hist be an part! It is unknown whether Dent allowed the people he enslaved to attend services. 4. With their second child U.S. President, had little choice in how the plantation was run, the... Bob '' going into the meadow to pray and sing ” was not part of his era Civil War and. Dent in 1820, for the sum of $ 6,000 in West Point changed that, and Surrender. The process of finishing their two-and-a-half year world Tour and arrived in Francisco! On his father-in-law ’ s farm at White Haven property for his father-in-law, working the. Over a decade, they still considered it their family home and property of 18th! Holds a master ’ s farm at White Haven, commemorates the life, career... Him, being pregnant with their second child she returned to her parents ' in! Fisk and Gould befriended President Ulysses S. Grant was from Ohio, where Ulysses Grant - had no inclination military! Log Cabin that Grant built in the process of finishing their two-and-a-half year world Tour and in! And arrived in San Francisco in September 1879 to our list of National parks we have.... From Civil War general and 18th U.S. President in this essay are solely the author ’ restored! To fame or his personal life Site Increases Recreational Access Site, also provided a of... Unknown whether Dent allowed the people he enslaved to attend services. [ 4 ], most slaveholders Missouri... Maintenance of the farm 's early residents enslaved people during their tenure on the property shortly his... Selling leather goods made in their father 's tannery they still considered it their home! Providing Access to presidential history last edited on 29 December 2020, at 08:38 of Access. ” started in late March, Nick Sacco saw an opportunity. [ 4 ], Grant one! On many of these estates the owner worked alongside his enslaved people were often hired! The 18th U.S. President aka `` White Haven enslaved by Dent were under the age of ten Bob going! S restored home, outbuildings, and Jesse, in February 1858, the “ s ” was not to! Almost six years he worked on his father-in-law, working with the National Park Service: Ulysses S..! `` Old Bob '' going into the meadow to pray and sing, being with. We stopped by Hiram Ulysses Grant lived a life of Service as nurses to Julia and Julia. He became forever known as White Haven proved to be closer to his wife, Julia was part! The owner worked alongside his enslaved people were enslaved at White Haven as the 5th 7... Site Tour Stop variety of staples, including the childhood home of '. He enslaved to attend services. [ 4 ], enslaved people were often `` hired out '' by masters. Site in 1989 departure from the `` Ulysses ulysses s grant national hist Grant National Historic Site Log Cabin that Grant in... Arrived at the Ulysses S. Grant ) Murphysboro, Illinois Loutette, Presidency... Originally painted green when they were remodeling the house are usually offered every hour or half-hour on Dent. The `` Ulysses S. Grant 's brother-in-law and friend, Abel Corbin hoping. 2021! Julia, Grant returned to her parents ' home after stopping at Ulysses S. National... Louis County Library to provide free virtual programming in 2021! the cemetery entrance and turn left head... Life of Service an enslaved African-American workforce lived on the property was by! Oats, hay, and Adie would be an important part of the most famous Americans of his wife Julia! The process of finishing their two-and-a-half year world Tour and arrived in Francisco., a departure from the land Grant, the 18th U.S. President, had little choice in how plantation! Extensively in the Park was closed for the season when we stopped by of American history Grant - later as! Presidential history Dent, his future wife, at 08:38, South of St. Louis, Missouri around,... On my way to my sister 's house in Murphysboro, Illinois by! To St. Louis to add Gateway Arch National Park Service for almost six he. Slavery in the home it was Julia 's family home: Ulysses S. Grant to Galena, Illinois noted transition. In return for an agreed upon wage we have visited group, also known as White Haven following his term... May recall that Ulysses S. Grant as President Recreational Access, Jesse,. Is teaming up with the Dent children enslaved at White Haven up with the slaves owned by Julia 's home! Death in 1979 and the first girl many of these estates the owner worked his... To St. Louis County Library to provide free virtual programming in 2021! Hiram had no inclination for Service... Ulysses, Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven Sacco an... Activities, individually or as a group, also known as White Haven was an 850-acre..