Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site is located in St.


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Summary

Louis, Missouri, and offers visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Here is a summary of the site, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to plan a visit:

Reasons to Visit:
1. Historical Significance: The site commemorates the life and achievements of Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union Army during the Civil War and served as President from 1869 to 1877. It provides valuable insights into the nation's history.
2. Educational Experience: Visitors can explore the historic buildings and exhibits to learn more about Grant's life, military career, and presidency, offering a unique educational opportunity for people of all ages.
3. Beautiful Grounds: The site features well-maintained grounds with peaceful gardens, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy while walking through the property.

Points of Interest:
1. Grant's White Haven: This was the former residence of Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Visitors can tour the historic house and learn about the family's life here.
2. Visitor Center: The visitor center offers exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that detail Grant's life, military campaigns, presidency, and the time he spent at White Haven.
3. Grant's Hardscrabble: A reconstructed log cabin representing the first home Grant and his wife lived in, during the early years of their marriage.

Interesting Facts:
1. Ulysses S. Grant lived at White Haven for several years before the Civil War, working on his father-in-law's farm. This experience shaped his views on slavery and influenced his military career.
2. Grant's Hardscrabble cabin showcases the modest lifestyle the Grants endured before achieving success.
3. The site provides insights into the impact of the Civil War on Grant's life and the nation as a whole.

Best Time to Visit:
The Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site can be visited year-round. However, the spring and fall seasons offer mild weather, making them particularly pleasant. Additionally, consider planning a visit during special events like Civil War reenactments, which take place during the summer months.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify this information across multiple independent sources, such as the official National Park Service website, travel guides, and reputable historical sources.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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