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The General Grant Memorial
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Museums, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Riverside Dr & 122nd StNew York, NY 10024
Neighborhood: Morningside Heights
(212) 666-1640
- Nearest Transit:
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125 St (1)
116 St - Columbia University (1)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
31 reviews for The General Grant Memorial
Review Highlights
"A "not to miss site" for civil war buffs."
(in 7 reviews)
"...Unicycle Club meets at Grants Tomb the first Sunday and..."
(in 21 reviews)
"Final resting place for General Grant and his wife."
(in 3 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Mr F G and Ms M S.
Flushing, NY
1/18/2012 11 photos
Usually a grand mausoleum existed in the world are for kings, queens, emperor from ancient era, maybe some dictators from modern time but rarely you'll find a large mausoleum for one president especially from democratic country.
So to be entombed together just with your spouse in this 8,000 tons of white granite with beautiful details in MANHATTAN surely proved how great and popular General Grant was when he passed away.
The place was quiet when we went, it's bright and spacious on the first floor but darker with dim lightning and serene downstairs where the caskets are. The many silent bust accompanying gave a sense of power and loyalty..
The architecture is grand, elegant yet simple.This mausoleum perfectly serve the purpose of giving the last respect for one hero. We left with a feeling of how ordinary our lives are... -
Review from Tina C.
General Grant Memorial aka Grant's Tomb here lies General and 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant (without doubt the country's most celebrated military general and one of many greatest U.S. Presidents) and wife Julia Dent Grant in granite. U.S. National Park Service recently renovated the mausoleum to its former glory and beauty for Grant's notable good deeds to form American history. On a clear day the memorial is visible on the Hudson River and adorns Riverside Park.
General Grant Memorial is equivalent to Paris's Les Invalides for Napoleon Bonaparte's Tomb of which both are open for public viewing visits. -
Review from Jessica C.
St Louis, MO
12/11/2011 5 photos
I'll spare you any educational facts (see the other reviews, or better yet, go visit yourself). I will say that I was impressed by this Memorial, and it's definitely worth a visit. It's very much Les Invalides, but in Manhattan. Besides the stunning architecture, they do a nice job of giving a comprehensive view of General Grant's life.
Listed in: Let's Go Learn Something!
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Review from Matt E.
6/15/2011 4 photos
Who's buried in General Grant's Tomb? Well, technically no one is "buried", Ulysses S Grant (the countries most celebrated military general as well as one of the countries greatest presidents) and his wife (Julia Grant) rest in red granite coffins in an open crypt in the center of a circular gallery inside the memorial. The memorial which was completed in 1897 is the largest mausoleum in North America and the architecture (especially from the inside) is amazing. The memorial/mausoleum is well taken care of by the National Park Service and is open to the public from 9-5. This isn't a museum so don't expect lots to do and see but for what it is, it's amazing. It's really a shame there are people in the city who haven't come to pay their respects and check out this historic site.
If you're going to take a trip up to 122nd st without any other plans up there feel free to check out the amazing architecture (inside and out) of the Riverside Church across the street (usually open to the public) and/or explore Riverside Park which goes from 72nd st to 129th street along the Hudson River -
Review from Devin L.
6/29/2011 21 Check-ins Here
Now that the pavilion across the street is finished this place is fantastic. The Tomb is just what it sounds like. A huge marble tomb housing Grant and Julia Dent-Grant. The caskets are surrounded by the busts of Grant's major generals giving it that somber and powerful feeling.
The pavilion is wonderful. A beautiful overlook of the Hudson and the museum and store below. Great job US National Parks! -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2011
Crypts
Will get
Me above
Fourteenth street. Good
Architecture but one-sided tour tale. -
Review from christine h.
Brooklyn, NY
4/6/2011
I went here for Valentine's Day two years ago. Not the most romantic place, per se, but memorable and actually quite beautiful (in that solemn, we're-all-going-to-die kind of way).
There isn't a whole lot to see - some Grant/war memorabilia, flags, other fun American relics - I wouldn't plan on spending more than an hour/hour and a half here.
What makes this worth the trip is the mausoleum itself. From the outside, it looks like a typical 19th century building- dome, columns, marble. But inside, it feels much grander, regal. You realize that this is a pretty big deal for just one dude.
The openness of the structure makes for great acoustics - and a welcome expectation of quietness among patrons within the tomb. The near silence lends the experience a distinct gravitas.
Standing opposite my then bf, diametrically across the large hole in the center of the building (beneath the dome), I could hear even the slightest of movements & breaths. Whispers traveled like shouts. It was fun. One of the better Valentine's Days I can remember.
(RIP General Grant.) -
Review from Toya F.
Manhattan, NY
3/1/2011
Who's buried in grants tomb?
Like this old joke this place is classic. It has historical significance and in my younger days it use to be a serious meet up to see the cute boys and bikers. This still could be the case for all I know. Now I come up here when it warms to jog by the Hudson. There's always kids playing or people doing skateboard tricks. The building itself is very impressive with the columns.
By the way Grant isn't buried here. He's entombed. -
Review from Lili K.
2/1/2011
It can be difficult to rate where General Grant and his boo are buried, but overall, this place is quite average. I wouldn't make the trek up here unless I went to Columbia/was already in the area. And that I was.
It's two stories, couple rooms with flags in 'em, some info thrown up on the walls, and down below, the caskets. One guard is there to hang out and sit. No restroom, it's outside somewhere. The outside looks like a typical DC monument, and it did look like it was from the movies on that cold, snowy day we went. Check out the structures, mini statues, and go down the street to see the grave of one little boy (all to himself, overlooking the waters). -
Review from Adam C.
Stratford, CT
4/10/2011
My son was working on a school report , on US Grant and the Civil war.
We are about 2 1/2 hours away.. we went on a Wed., 06 April.
We actually found a parking spot semi near the Memorial.
We took some pictures, read the display items,and visited President Grant & his wife. An educational experience. The chamber has a somber mood (being a tomb ) and IMO quite fitting that President Grant and wife are being watched over by the Generals and Commanders. I would recomend a visit
to anyone interested in History , civil war, or the presidency.
The building was much larger that I expected, and looked much nicer than the pictures on the web. I'm glad that there are plans to increase the upkeep and do an expansion to the visitor's center. -
Review from Jason P.
El Segundo, CA
2/19/2011
So come to find out... Grant is buried in Grant's tomb. This is an impressive structure and well worth seeing if you find yourself exploring the upper west side.
For a country boy from Ohio and a military man this is not a simple structure to mark as one's final resting place. In fact it's the largest personal mausoleum in the United States. -
Review from Chita D.
New Erection, VA
1/14/2009
Parked right in front of this memorial, I made-out with the b/f for a good several hours on our 1st date.
Nothing like having a big ol' tomb remind you of some goooood times. Ha!
It's definitely a nice neighborhood to chill in late at night if you're looking for some sex-ay time. *ooowww*
What can I say? I had a 'monumental' time...ha! -
Review from Matt D.
Louisville, KY
8/1/2011
Great! A suitable tribute to a giant figure. Just look up the local festivals. There was one when we visited, and while they were courteous and let us into the tomb, their music was distracting while inside. So, go when quiet. Nevertheless, go.
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Review from Willis W.
Rhinebeck, NY
6/13/2008
It's a big tomb. I went there with a class on the History of NY. I also used it as a meeting place for a girl I met on the net. She was cool and attended Columbia at the time. We hung out around the campus. She wasn't my type and at the time, her ex-boyfriend's nickname was FLUFF DADDY! I really don't need some dude named FLUFF DADDY all in my face. Talking about "Why you wit my gurl bruh?"
Honestly, the tomb is a bit boring unless you're REALLY into American history. There's not much to do inside. Either way, the tomb is visually pleasing. -
Review from Heidi C.
New York, NY
6/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Interesting historic site, and who could forget Annie's famous line, which I often repeat, "It's colder than Grant's Tomb!!"
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Review from Sarah M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/21/2008 2 photos
It's free and in a pretty neighborhood close to Columbia, but this place is uneventful. We were in and out in less than 10 minutes. It is the biggest tomb in the United States if you're into that.
Also, skateboarding is a crime here. There were a bunch of kids getting yelled at to move on by the security guard.Listed in: New York Second Trip
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Review from Tom K.
5/23/2010
The General Grant Memorial earns an extra star for the following historical gem alone: US Grant was not an alcoholic, no not at all, but he did drink while bored. I'll have to remember that for future usage in my own non-general, non-presidential life.
The actual memorial is an impressive structure, an American version of the ancient wonder of the world named after Mausolus. It's an appropriately larger than life tribute to a man whose career was dedicated to warfare and presidency rife with scandal and corruption.
Inside you'll learn about Grant's early career during the Mexican War, his interwar years of drinking, the Civil War conquests, presidency, attempt to win a 3rd term, financial scandals, poor investment decisions and his eventual loss to cancer. There's a very sad portrait from his later years where he's wrapped in a blanket while in a rocking chair trying to complete his memoirs before dying.
And for historical food enthusiasts, you'll see a can of "Mexican soup" that US soldiers would have eaten in the 1840's.
There are two small rooms with maps illustrating the battles of the Civil War and which ones Grant had a direct impact on. Enter the lower level reveals the two caskets of Grant and his wife. They are under the watchful eye of various busts of Union generals including the notorious Sherman and his march to the sea.
There isn't any restroom facility so be forewarned.
As a history fan I was able to spend about 40 minutes here reading the various panels exploring Grant's life. For the casual tourist and visitor you can probably be in and out in 15 minutes. While inside, be sure to look up at the dome and see various topless Greek goddesses for a mythological thrill.
And for all the fans of classic 90's soca, this is not that General Grant. The remixer of Lootala is still alive and well.Listed in: Don't know much about…
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Review from John G.
9/20/2008
Largest mausoleum in the US. Final resting place for General Grant and his wife.
Extremely well done. The General lies in a large marble like sarcophagus in the basement level. You walk in and go to the large circular opening in the center and look down. Very impressive. Napolean I has a similiar place in Paris.
First floor has some great history of the General, his real battle flags, history of the tomb and its construction, some Civil War murals and a small gift shop.
I did find and buy his personal memoirs.
A very impressive publicly funded tomb that sits in Riverside Park on the high bank of the Hudson.
A "not to miss site" for civil war buffs.Listed in: New York City "A" List of…
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Review from Scott Y.
South Plainfield, NJ
6/27/2010
I'm positive that I have reviewed The General Grant Memorial before, but the review is gone. So I'm trying again.
When I first moved to New York, I wanted to do some exploring. So I figured that I could kill two birds with one stone. When I went out running, instead of running to a halfway point and then running back, I would run as far as I could in one direction, and then walk back to find places that I would come back to check out when I wasn't all sweaty. Whenever I ran north from Riverside Park, I would see the top of Riverside Church. So one day I took a stroll over to it on my way back from a run up to the GW Bridge.
When I made it to Riverside Church, I was shocked to have my attention stolen by a smaller gorgeous building across the street. I walked over to the small building, past the people taking pictures, up to the security guards who I thought were there to keep people away from the building. I asked one of the guards what this building was, and he told me that it was Grant's Tomb. I was taken aback. (I had no idea that Grant's Tomb was in New York, never mind how close it was to my neighborhood.)
The security guard mistook my reaction, thinking that I didn't know who General Grant was, and started to explain to me. Still thinking that these security guards were there to keep people away from the building, you can imagine my surprise when the guard told me that I could go in. I walked up to the door hoping that the $5 bill that I had in my pocket to grab a bottle of Gatorade would be enough to get me in. It turns out that the place is free (and air conditioned).
It's not a huge place, because it was meant to be a tomb, not a museum. It is an amazing little find if you're on the Upper West Side, though.Listed in: Raindrops on Roses and…
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Review from Sarah L.
Albany, CA
8/19/2006
Grant's Tomb is a neat little spot in the Upper West Side. An extension of Riverside Park, the tomb is one of the National Park Service's National Monuments. It is free and they give daily tours of the tombs, but what I loved about visiting this spot was the amazing mosaic benches that surround it! Bring a camera! Inside the actual monument you will find information on Grant, Civil War exhibits, a small gift shop (for all you Grant buffs out there), and the tombs. They are sunken below the first floor and the tour will actually take you down to see them up close, but I was fine just peering down on Grant and his wife.
For more information, check out:
http://www.nps.gov/gegr/
Also, check out the cute Sakura Park across the street. It is lovely and has some interesting history of its own!
By the way, I took off one star for the grounds being a little messy. The mosaics need some up-keep, folks!Listed in: I'm in NYC being a Tourist!
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Review from Mike W.
New York, NY
10/22/2007
Wait, who's buried here again?
All yuks aside, it's a fairly neat little diversion if you happen to find yourself on a stroll through Riverside Park. I spent a couple of minutes just walking around inside and looking at the tombs themselves and was summarily on my way, perhaps slightly more historically informed than when I entered. If you're not a history buff, or if you handle fifty-dollar bills infrequently, you can get all your questions answered such as, "What does Grant look like?" and "Why the hoo-ha is he entombed in New York?" It's far from the most captivating monument in the city, but it's a nice refresher on all that Civil War stuff without having to go to Gettysburg or make friends with some of those creepy-geeky guys who do the reenactments.Listed in: Sights of the Heights
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Review from Eileen K.
Santa Barbara, CA
5/29/2011
Wonderful quick stop. We wouldn't have even noticed all the symbolism and some of the finer details if it wasn't for Hector, the guard, who gave us an inpromptu tour thanks Hector!!
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Review from Marcus V.
Brooklyn, NY
4/9/2008
This is quite the final resting place for two individuals (Mr. & Mrs Grant). This mausoleum is the largest of its kind in North America. Granted (no pun intended) he was a great general who played a significant role in defending this nation during the Civil War, but WOW...what a monstrosity. The average currently living New Yorker would be spoiled beyond belief to have an apartment even a quarter this size.
In any event, this oversized tomb is an historic New York City landmark and certainly worthy of visiting. -
Review from andy t.
10/9/2007
Wiffle Ball at Grant's Tomb?
Not only is Grant's Tomb, across the street from Riverside Church on 122nd and Riverside, one of the most classic building landmarks in NYC, it's also potentially the Yankee Stadium of wiffle-ball fields.
Follow me here. Every wiffle ball field needs a backstop, and I think the stairs leading up to the tomb are ideal for this. The tree-lined walkway, which is perfectly symetrically, makes for a fair field for both lefty and righty hitters.
The views are also sweet. Riverside Church looms over the outfield, a la the Chevron sign at Fenway.
Now, I've never actually played wiffle ball here, but I've scouted it out (the tomb is the halfway point on my regular running route) and think this has a LOT of potential.
On a side note: If someone actually goes inside the memorial, something I've never done, please let me know what's in there. I've always wondered.Listed in: Old-School New York
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Review from Chris D.
Centreville, VA
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
A truly beautiful work of architecture that serves a sobering purpose. The tomb is the largest in the United States and modeled after one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Inside is a sobering memorial to arguably on of the most important generals in the United States history. There is very little to interpretive materials inside, but I think the structure speaks for itself. I can't speak for a ranger guided tour because one wasn't available when I visited.
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Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
3/12/2011
Beautiful architectural sight!
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Review from Jade H.
9/24/2009 4 photos
I went to the Park Service sponsered Grant's Tomb tour at night under candle light.
That was amazing. Not only did I learn some good facts about the tomb, but the whole ambience of this masoleum was enhanced by the fact that there were candle light walkways. -
Review from Frank H.
New York, NY
3/28/2010
This is a pretty solid park for what it is, which is basically an incredibly over-sized tomb surrounded by a paved-over public space. Apparently some interesting stuff happens here in the summer around Grant's Birthday, but generally what you'll get here is a place to sit and rest before heading down into Riverside Park. If you go inside the mausoleum, there are a few dilapidated exhibits on Grant's life and the monument's construction (although the map rooms of major Civil War battles with regimental flags are a nice touch) as well as the actual tombs of Grant and his wife. It's a beautiful building, in the way that mid- to late 19th century American buildings are beautiful in their ostentation, but they could definitely do more with the space.
All in all it's worth going to if you're visiting Morningside Heights or are interested in presidential and Civil War history. -
Review from Diana B.
New York, NY
1/14/2009
Boring
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Review from Ira G.
New York, NY
9/7/2008
New York City Unicycle Club meets at Grants Tomb the first Sunday and third Saturday of every month. The plaza in front lends itself to unicycling and skateboarding. As for unicycling, bring your own or borrow one. Go to http://Youtube.com or http://Flickr.com and search on Unatics to find videos or pictures of the goings on there.
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Review from Dan T.
Manorville, NY
1/4/2010
I live a 2-minute walk away, and love walking past every time.
