Adventures in New York City Part 12- Grant's Tomb

As you probably know, I am huge on Civil War history, AND on sites relating to Presidents.  Well, Grant's Tomb was, in my opinion, an absolute must visit while in New York.

Grant is such a great character in history.  In some ways, he is the ultimate washed up underdog who works his way back up from "has been" to celebrated military genius.... to President.

At the time of his death, he was very admired.  From http://www.grantstomb.org/

"The funeral was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Grover Cleveland, his cabinet, the justices of the Supreme Court, the two living ex-presidents (Hayes and Arthur), virtually the entire Congress, and almost every living figure who had played a prominent role during the Civil War.

Civil War veterans from both North and South took part, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held throughout a reunified country. General Winfield S. Hancock led the procession, and Grant's pallbearers included former comrades -- General William T. Sherman, General Philip H. Sheridan, and Admiral David D. Porter - as well as former Confederates - Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Simon B. Buckner."

 

It chokes me up a bit to think about Civil War vets from the South participating in the funeral, especially Johnson and Buckner.

 

The tomb is spectacular, and it is a very fitting tribute to the man.

There is an odd concrete bench art tribute outside of the tomb.  It is very folk arty.  I thought it was a very nice project, but it seems a bit out of place with the very structured main tribute to President Grant.

As we explored Grant's Tomb, a high school choir group from South Dakota came in.  They sang a few songs, which sounded amazing, as the tomb has great acoustics.  We felt very lucky to have been there at that moment.