Ulysses S. Grant NHS

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 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.

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 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.

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 one of the first First Ladies to publish her own memoirs. 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.

Join us next Saturday, January 31 at 1PM for a talk by local historian NiNi Harris on her book, Black St. Louis! Black St. Louis explores the rich and inspiring history of African Americans in St. Louis from the city’s founding as a French fur trading post during the Spanish colonial era to the new millennium. Author NiNi Harris highlights great figures who showed leadership, incredible innovation, and courage despite the injustices they faced. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Thanks to Julie Northrip for visiting us on Monday, January 19! Julie was here to give a talk on Entertaining at the White House and delved into some of the fine china patterns used by Presidents and First Ladies during their time in the Executive Mansion, including china patterns used by Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Polk, Pierce, Lincoln, Grant, and others. The park also installed a small temporary exhibit with 12 White House china plates. From Thursday, January 15 through Monday, January 19 visitors had the opportunity to vote on which one was their favorite. The votes are in and have been counted, and the winner is in! The winning pattern was used during James K. Polk's presidency (1845-1849) and features a prominent design of a pink geranium. Thanks to all who voted and attended Julie's talk on Monday! Don't forget to join us for our next History Talk - this Saturday, January 24th! Pam Sanfillipo will be discussing Julia Dent Grant's life as an unofficial diplomat. Call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 to make your reservation! Images: a collection of White House china patterns featuring different designs. Top row, from left: Washington, J.Q. Adams, Jackson, Pierce Middle row, from left: Taylor, Jefferson, Madison, Polk (visitor favorite) Bottom row, from left: Lincoln, Grant, B. Harrison, Monroe

December 30, 1811: An exchange of land transfers the property that will become known as “White Haven” from James Mackay to William Lindsay Long, who will eventually have the Main House built. By 1820, the property will be purchased by Frederick Fayette Dent and his wife Ellen Wrenshall Dent, the future in-laws of Ulysses S. Grant. Long and his wife, Elizabeth Sappington Long, will perish in the St. Louis cholera epidemic of 1849. Image: a contemporary painting of White Haven from the 1840s, artist unknown.

Merry Christmas to all! We are CLOSED today to enjoy the holiday with our families. We hope you enjoy the holiday! We will be open again tomorrow, Friday, December 26 from 9AM to 5PM! Image: A Wenzlick family Christmas card from the 1950s featuring a hand drawing of White Haven and Santa's sleigh flying overhead. (ULSG image)

The staff of Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site wishes you and your families a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. We are OPEN until 5PM today, December 24, 2025. We will be CLOSED tomorrow, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will reopen on Friday, December 26 at 9AM. Image: 1950's Christmas card from the family of Delbert Wenzlick, who owned White Haven from 1940 until 1979. The card features a photograph of the Main House as it appeared at the time.

January might be a slow time at National Park sites most years, but with Julia Dent Grant's 200th birthday and the America 250 festivities kicking off, January 2026 might just be one of our busiest months yet! Ready to get back in the groove after your long holiday break? We have special events every week in January; we hope you can join us! Wednesday, January 7 at 2PM: White Haven Readers' Guild book club discussion group. January's selection is The Naturalist: Theodore Roosevelt, A Lifetime of Exploration, and the Triumph of American Natural History by Darrin Lunde. Saturday, January 10 at 10AM: John C. Frémont's 100 Days in Civil War Missouri. Author Greg Wolk discusses his new book, and exploration of "The Pathfinder" Major General John C. Frémont's time commanding the Department of the West. U.S. Grant's time in Civil War Missouri overlapped greatly with Frémont's command. Find out how Grant's relationship with Frémont put him on the road to success. Monday, January 19 at 10AM: Entertaining at the White House: Presidential China. Presidents and their First Ladies often have new sets of china produced for their official entertaining, such as State Dinners. Former U.S. Grant NHS Interpretation and Education Manager Julie Northrip will talk about the Grants' tableware and will show and discuss some of the china used during other presidential administrations. Saturday, January 24 at 10AM: Julia Dent Grant: Diplomat. Join us as we kick of the 200th anniversary celebration of First Lady Julia Dent Grant's birth. Pam Sanfillippo, current Gateway Arch NP Deputy Superintendent and former U.S. Grant NHS Park Historian, will discuss Mrs. Grant's experience as an unofficial diplomat. A cake and punch reception will be held after the talk. Saturday, January 31 at 1PM: Author Talk: Black St. Louis. Author NiNi Harris highlights great figures in St. Louis' African American community who showed leadership, incredible innovation, and courage despite the injustices they faced. All events are free, but reservations are required. Please call us at (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 to make reservations. Image: Lt. General Grant and Mrs. Grant, 1863.

Did you know that January 26, 2026 is the 200th anniversary of First Lady Julia Dent Grant's birth? We'll have events all year long to celebrate but will be kicking off Julia's 200th birth year with a history talk and reception on Saturday, January 24th at 10 AM with current Gateway Arch National Park and former Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site Interpretation and Education Manager Pam Sanfillippo. Pam will be focusing on Mrs. Grant's experience as an unofficial diplomat, from her childhood as the daughter of a wealthy slaveowner, to her travel and reception by world leaders on the Grants' World Tour, to her unlikely friendship with the only Confederate First Lady, Varina Davis. The park will also be unveiling a new limited edition National Parks passport stamp featuring Mrs. Grant's 200th birthday! Following the talk in the auditorium cake and punch will be served in the park Visitor Center. If interested, please call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 to make reservations. Image: Julia Dent Grant, 1864 (Library of Congress, colorized by Nick Sacco)