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Ulysses S Grant National Historic SiteWhite Haven's Main House, a National Historic Landmark
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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. 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.
 
Close-up of the main house.

House Visits

Free interpretive visits to the Main House are usually offered every 30 minutes beginning at 9:30 a.m. Typically, the last house visit of the day begins at 4:00 p.m. Due to preservation and safety concerns, space is limited for each time slot and tickets (which are free, and available at the Visitor Center desk) are required to reserve a place. Please note that specific time slots may be unavailable due to heavy visitation, group reservations, maintenance activities, or inclement weather. Please call the Visitor Center at (314)842-3298 x245 or check at the Information Desk for the most current information.

 
Grant 2

What's new?

  • Now through November 16th, an exhibit entitled "Acerbic Art: American Presidents in Political Cartoons" is on display in the park's Visitor Center classroom. The exhibit is comprised of cartoons from Grant's era as well as throughout American history.
  • At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, Park Guide Katherine Potter will be presenting an interactive program at the site entitled "Generals to Presidents." The program will explore the phenomenon of high military commanders reaching the presidency. Join us!
  • Be sure to check out the new National Park Service website American Presidents: Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary.
  • HEADS UP! Due to bridge work, Gravois Road will be closed at the Grant Road intersection in January 2009. Also, sections of Grant Road and Pardee Road will be closed for several days in October and/or November due to utility work. Call the park for the most current information at (314)842-3298 x245. 

 

 
flood image

Head for the high ground!

On Sunday, September 14th, the site was was one of many places in the St. Louis area to suffer the effects of Hurricane Ike's remnants. The storm dumped five inches of rain in the early morning hours, overwhelming local streams and drainage systems. Gravois Creek, which runs adjacent to the site, swept over its banks and flooded Grant Road, which was subsequently closed. The park was closed for the day due to this, as well as flood damage control and clean-up at the site.

 
monogram

Grant in St. Louis reprinted

A reprint of the 1916 book Grant in St. Louis by Walter B. Stevens is now available at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. The book, reprinted by Applewood Press, has a forward by site historian Pam Sanfilippo and a biographical sketch of the author by park ranger John Deutch. It is available for $14.95 in the site book store, which is operated by Jefferson National Parks Association, as well as online (link).

 

Write to

Superintendent
7400 Grant Road
St. Louis, MO 63123

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Center
(314) 842-3298 ext. 245

Park Office
(314) 842-3298

Fax

(314) 842-1659

Climate

St. Louis weather is very seasonal, with high heat and humidity in the summer and very cold temperatures in the winter. Spring and Fall can be wet and stormy, but also mild and pleasant. Like most places, the weather is unpredictable and can change quickly.
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Letter fragment found at site  

Did You Know?
During NPS restoration activities, a fragment of a letter was found in a window casing. The letter is written by Ulysses Grant and begins, "Dear Julia." It is believed to date to 1850.

Last Updated: October 23, 2008 at 11:46 EST