Over 1,000,000 people attended the dedication ceremony in 1897, making it one of the largest public events in New York City history at the time.
The project was funded entirely by private donations from over 90,000 contributors.
The tomb's interior is clad in white marble, contrasting with the dark red granite sarcophagi.
The design includes a massive circular dome that allows natural light to filter into the crypt area.
Grant's request to be buried alongside his wife led to the creation of the dual sarcophagi arrangement.
It is the first memorial in the United States to have its own dedicated National Park Service site designation as a 'National Memorial'.
General Grant National Memorial, known as Grant's Tomb, serves as the final resting place for Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. It holds the title of the largest mausoleum in North America. The neoclassical structure was completed in 1897, twelve years after the general's death. Designed by John Duncan, the granite edifice draws inspiration from the Tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus and Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides. Two sarcophagi made of Wisconsin red granite occupy the central open crypt. The interior features mosaic murals depicting scenes from the Civil War. It is managed by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The wide-angle perspective from the Riverside Park pathway looking up at the front portico.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Riverside Park for river views.
Check the National Park Service website before visiting to confirm if the interior crypt level is open, as it sometimes closes for maintenance.
Bring a pair of binoculars to better view the mosaic details in the interior dome.
Do not mistake the exterior statues for the main entrance; the visitor entrance is located on the side of the memorial.
Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a burial site; hats should be removed inside.
