NPS #11: Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, Missouri

Ulysses S. Grant Home

When you think of National Park Service (NPS) operated sites within or near St. Louis, you likely think of The Gateway Arch.  Build in extra time for another site near the city - the Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site, also operated by NPS.  Ulysses S. Grant was known as a victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms.  Grant's military career helped him find his love on a plantation called the White Haven.  Grant's former West Point roommate, Frederick T. Dent, invited him to the 850 acre plantation.  It's where Grant met Fred's sister Julia.

Taking the tour

After serving in the Mexican-American War, Grant returned to marry Julia.  You can step onto the porch where he proposed.  Grant lived with his wife Julia and their four children, Julia's parents and siblings, and enslaved African Americans who lived in separate cabins in the 1850s.  They also worked on the farm, growing fruits and vegetables.  The home has been many shades from beige to gray to green to white and returned to green, the color chosen by the Grant family.  Green was a popular color during the Victorian Era.

Photo by Krenda

President Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant as Commanding General of the U.S. Army.  After the Civil War, the Grants began purchasing the property and had a dream of making it a horse-breeding operation.  Julia was an equestrian, enjoyed nature, and had fond memories of the home.  

Time your visit right for a guided tour (offered every 30 minutes or hour), the only way to enter the home.  Budget approximately 45 minutes for the tour.  After the official tour, you can also see the other remaining structures which include the ice house, chicken house, summer kitchen, and horse stable.  It's the horse stable where you will find the park museum with multiple exhibits.  Before or after the tour, consider learning more through a 22-minute orientation film.

Years prior we had also learned about Grant by visiting Grant's birthplace in Point Pleasant, Ohio (located Southeast of Cincinnati).  It's operated locally and admission is only $3.  The house was donated to the State of Ohio and the state invested over a million dollars to restore the house in 2013.  Nearby, you will also see his schoolhouse.  In his later years, Grant lived in New York.  Grant Cottage in Mt. McGregor, New York is a national historic landmark and you can tour for $9.

 

NPS #8: Adams National Historical Park

Where can you teach your children about two Presidents at the same time?  Take your kids to the Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts.  Part of the National Park Service, this historical site is located 10 miles south of Boston in Quincy, MA.  You can enter the buildings only through a guided tour, so go to the Visitor Center (1250 Hancock Street) early.  Tours are based upon on a first come, first serve basis between May 18 and Nov. 10th.  First tour begins 9:15AM and last tour leaves at 3:15PM.  No big bags or backpacks allowed.  The visitor center also provides an approximately 30 min. orientation film Enduring Legacy:  Four Generations of the Adams Family.  Allow up to three hours for the tour.

 The first tour stop takes you to two homes declared a National Historic Landmark: 1) John Adams Birthplace, and 2) John Quincy Adams Birthplace.  You will learn the history of our 2nd U.S. President and 6th U.S. President.  The stories are full of love and patriotism.  After marrying Abigail Smith, John Adams settled the family in a house less than 75 yards away from his birthplace.  You'll see where Abigail wrote John letters and the fireplace where her son John Quincy helped make musket balls for the war.  You can imagine Abigail and her son watching the battle on Breeds Hill from another nearby hill.  John Adams served as a leader in the American Revolution, assisted in the Declaration of Independence, served two terms and Vice President, and elected President.  His son John Quincy joined John Adams in Europe and John Quincy learned seven languages.  Both John and his son began practicing law and served as U.S. Presidents.

Stone Library   Photo by Krenda Frushour

   You'll board the trolley again to transport to the next Adams family home.  The Old House or Peacefield has a Georgian-style estate.  The Adams family made numerous additions over the 140 years.  My favorite were the English-style garden and the Stone Library.  John Adams constructed the garden and pond.  The grounds still hold a yellowood and black walnut that John Adams planted.  John Quincy Adam's son Charles Francis Adams, an ambassador to the Great Britain during the Civil War, added the library, greenhouse, and carriage house.  The library is stunning and holds 14,000 historic volumes and believed to be the first presidential library. It also served as the location for Charle's sons Henry and Brook Adams to serve as historians and write.  We visited on a beautiful day in which bright flowers bloomed, the sun shined, and we ended the tour on the vine covered porch.

Peacefield or Old House