Despite Ulysses S. Grant’s affinity for horses, he rarely attended official horse races. Exploring Grant’s relationship to horses and racing offers some insight into the possible reasons for this while revealing the substantial role horses played in his life and career.

The forest on Mount McGregor is not just part of the natural setting but an integral part of the history of the place. General Grant and many others were drawn to the mountain due to the restorative qualities associated with the trees blanketing the mountain. Various threats to the forest spurred preservation efforts resulting in the forest that exists there today.

Ulysses S. Grant watched the game of baseball evolve from a childhood amusement to a professional spectator sport during his lifetime. On a sunny afternoon in July 1874 he watched the college baseball clubs of Harvard and Yale take each other on for the college championship near Saratoga Springs, NY. Find out more about this game, where it was played, and what baseball meant to America in the 1870’s.

Most descriptions of former First Lady Julia Dent Grant mention an eye condition. The condition, known as Strabismus, would be something she dealt with her entire life. It affected everything from her self-esteem and relationships to daily tasks. A study of Julia’s story opens an interesting window into the challenges she and others with the condition faced in that era and how those around them responded to it.

One group of artifacts at Grant Cottage Historic Site invariably leaves visitors intrigued and impressed. Some find them “creepy” others “amazing”, but all agree that the funerary floral tributes on display in the Cottage are incredibly unique.

In the second installment of our series covering the expansive story of Mt. McGregor's 150-year history, we learn more about the resort as it was during the time of U.S. Grant's stay. As with most historical stories, the setting is vital to a full understanding, and such is the case with General Grant's last days. Find out about the intrepid man whose ambition helped create a mountaintop paradise, what it was like and what became of it. Discover more of those, famous and not, that visited the mountain during its heyday as a Victorian resort. Experience the resort like never before through vivid images and descriptions.

Part one in a historical series focusing on the newly acquired property at the Historic Site and its long and storied past and exciting future.

Recently I was presented with a late 1800’s Remington typewriter by the staff at Grant Cottage which they hoped to get back into shape to put on display in the upcoming season. The machine they presented me with was in very bad shape. Much of the paint was gone, there was a lot of rust on the body, keys, and internal parts. I discussed with them the path I was prepared to take being more of a preservationist than a restorationist in bringing the typewriter back to life.

There is no record of the word “Juneteenth” appearing in print during the lifetime of Ulysses S. Grant, and he probably never heard it. It was an African-American dialect word deriving from the date, June 19, 1865, on which General Order No. 3 was issued by Major General Gordon Granger, the new commander of the District of Texas.

As we celebrate the Bicentennial of the birth of Ulysses S. Grant it seems appropriate to take a look back to see how it was observed 100 years ago.

It is impossible to know exactly what Ulysses S. Grant’s voice sounded like, but through first-hand accounts and some research, a clearer idea emerges of what it might have been like to speak to the General himself.

The future meets the past at Grant Cottage Historic Site. Throughout history technological innovation has fueled progress. Discover Grant’s view of technology and how modern technology is now protecting his final home.

Learn about the Terrell family a story that encompasses 100 years of civil rights struggle. Find out how General Grant supported the next generation of civil rights activists and how their inspiring lives and careers helped change America.

Famous suffragist Susan B. Anthony visited Grant Cottage in the summer of 1889 and had an interesting reaction to what she saw. Discover how her path crossed with that of President Grant and his wife Julia in her quest for women's rights.