Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site U.S. Grant National Historic Site preserves and interprets White Haven, the St. Louis home of President Ulysses S. Grant and First Lady Julia Dent Grant.
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Ulysses S. Grant is known as the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. Few people know about his rise to fame or his personal life. He first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. Today, that home commemorates their lives and loving partnership against the turbulent backdrop of the nineteenth century. The Nati

onal Park Service preserves and interprets White Haven and tells the story of Ulysses and Julia Grant, the events surrounding the Civil War and Reconstruction, and all the people -- free and enslaved -- who called White Haven home. Our 9.6-acre park includes the original 1816 home, three historic outbuildings, an interpretive museum housed in Grant's historic stable, and a modern visitor center featuring an introductory film. Comment Policy:
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Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet people, and be part of something historic?Ulysses S. Grant National Hist...
04/29/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet people, and be part of something historic?

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is looking for volunteers!

Each year, nearly 45,000 visitors come through the site—and volunteers are at the heart of making their experience welcoming, engaging, and memorable.

✨ Why volunteer?

Perfect for students building professional skills, retirees looking to stay active and social, or anyone who loves history and public service.

💼 What you’ll do:

• Welcome and orient visitors

• Answer phones and assist with questions

• Make announcements for tours and films

• Help with gift shop sales

• Keep the Visitor Center and Museum clean and inviting

No experience needed—just a friendly attitude, reliability, and a willingness to help!

🕒 Time commitment:
Most volunteers serve one 4-hour shift per week. Afternoon availability on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday is especially helpful.

📌 To apply:
Please provide 1–2 professional references (supervisors, teachers, professors, etc.). Apply online here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000MLR6zYAH/visitor-services-volunteer

Come be part of sharing an incredible story and helping visitors connect with the legacy of President Grant. We’d love to have you on the team!

04/27/2026

Due to severe weather, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will be closed beginning at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026. The park will reopen for normal hours on Tuesday April 28 at 9:00 AM.🌩️

Happy 204th Birthday to Ulysses S. Grant! 🎉Born in Ohio to Jesse and Hannah Grant, Ulysses was the eldest of six childre...
04/27/2026

Happy 204th Birthday to Ulysses S. Grant! 🎉

Born in Ohio to Jesse and Hannah Grant, Ulysses was the eldest of six children. At just 17, he began his studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1843.

While stationed with the Fourth Infantry at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, MO, he met his future wife, Julia Dent Grant, at her family home, White Haven. Together, they would raise four children and build a life rooted in family and resilience.

When the American Civil War began, Grant answered the call to serve. Starting as Colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he rose rapidly, becoming Commanding General of the United States Army in just over three years.

Elected President in 1868, Grant served two terms, leading the nation through Reconstruction and advancing civil rights during a pivotal era in American history.

Grant passed away in July 1885 after battling throat cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. More than two centuries after his birth, his legacy of leadership, perseverance, and commitment to the nation continues to inspire.

Image 1: Major General Ulysses S. Grant circa 1862-1864. A seated figure wearing a 19th‑century military uniform with double rows of metal buttons and rank insignia on the shoulder, posed against a plain backdrop. (Library of Congress)

Image 2: President Ulysses S. Grant, 1870. Photographed by Matthew Brady. A formal studio portrait showing a seated figure dressed in a dark suit, waistcoat, white shirt, and bow tie with a visible pocket watch chain. (Library of Congress)

White Haven was home to one of the most famous men of the 19th century, but it was also shaped by the lives of many rema...
03/05/2026

White Haven was home to one of the most famous men of the 19th century, but it was also shaped by the lives of many remarkable women who made or witnessed history in their own right. Join Park Guide Evan Meyer on March 21, 2026 at 10AM to explore The Women of White Haven, from Julia Dent Grant and her sisters to the enslaved women who quietly kept the home and farm running.

The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Image: Ellen Wrenshall Dent, the mother of First Lady Julia Dent Grant. The image is a sepia-toned vintage portrait of an older woman wearing a light bonnet and high-collared dress with a brooch at her throat. She faces the camera with a calm, serious expression.

Join us on March 7th at 10 AM to learn more about Julia Dent Grant in her own words and through the words of the man who...
03/03/2026

Join us on March 7th at 10 AM to learn more about Julia Dent Grant in her own words and through the words of the man who loved her!

Using Julia's memoirs and the letters Ulysses S. Grant sent her beginning with their courtship, professor emerita of communication at Saint Louis University Diana B. Carlin will tell the narrative of Julia’s life as a daughter of the West, a soldier’s wife, a first lady, and an intrepid world traveler.

The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

How did political cartoons shape the public image of Ulysses S. Grant?Join us for a History Talk on Saturday, February 2...
02/03/2026

How did political cartoons shape the public image of Ulysses S. Grant?

Join us for a History Talk on Saturday, February 21 at 10 with Post Dispatch Weatherbird cartoonist, Dan Martin. Dan will focus on two of the era's most celebrated political cartoonists of the time, Thomas Nast (pro-Grant) and Joseph Keppler (anti-Grant) along with the surprising St. Louis connections of some of their biggest targets.

The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

This Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14 at 10 AM, come learn about the love story of Ulysses and Julia Grant on Febr...
01/27/2026

This Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14 at 10 AM, come learn about the love story of Ulysses and Julia Grant on February 14th. Park Guide Sky Castilleja will present and discuss their courtship and young relationship.

The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Image: a replica of Julia Dent Grant's wedding dress, made by a park volunteer.

Happy 200th birthday to Julia Dent Grant! 🎉Born on January 26, 1826, Julia Dent Grant was more than the wife of a Presid...
01/26/2026

Happy 200th birthday to Julia Dent Grant! 🎉

Born on January 26, 1826, Julia Dent Grant was more than the wife of a President and general. She was a devoted partner to Ulysses S. Grant, a proud St. Louisan, a world traveler, and mother of four children. She was also the first First Lady to write her own memoirs in 1902, even though they would not be published until 1975.

Known for her warmth, candor, and fierce devotion to her family, Julia left a lasting mark on American history in her own voice.

Today we celebrate her life, legacy, and the woman behind the general.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will remain closed today give road crews time to improve conditions around the p...
01/26/2026

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will remain closed today give road crews time to improve conditions around the park.
Stay safe!🌨️

01/25/2026

The park is closed today due to inclement weather. Stay safe!🌨️

Address

7400 Grant Road
St. Louis, MO
63123

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13148421867

Website

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