Grant's Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon

by Louis L. Picone

The moving story of Ulysses S. Grant's final battle, and the definitive account of the national memorial honoring him as one of America's most enduring heroes

The final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious general in the Civil War and the eighteenth president of the United States, is a colossal neoclassical tomb located in the most dynamic city in the country. It is larger than the final resting place of any other president or any other person in America. Since its creation, the popularity and condition of this monument, built to honor the man and what he represented to a grateful nation at the time of his death, a mere twenty years after the end of the Civil War, have reflected not only Grant's legacy in the public mind but also the state of New York City and of the Union.

In this fascinating, deeply researched book, presidential historian Louis L. Picone recounts the full story. He begins with Grant's heroic final battle during the last year of his life, to complete his memoirs in order to secure his family's financial future while contending with painful, incurable cancer. Grant accomplished this just days before his death, and his memoirs, published by Mark Twain, became a bestseller. Accompanying his account with numerous period photographs, Picone narrates the national response to Grant's passing and how his tomb came to the intense competition to be the resting place for Grant's remains, the origins of the memorial and its design, the struggle to finance and build it over the course of twelve years, and the vicissitudes of its afterlife in the history of the nation up to recent times.

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, American History, Nonfiction, Presidents, Audiobook

344 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2021

About the author

Louis L. Picone is the award-winning author of "Grant's Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon", "The President Is Dead! The Extraordinary Stories of the Presidential Deaths, Final Days, Burials, and Beyond" and "Where the Presidents Were Born: The History & Preservation of the Presidential Birthplaces."

Louis is a member of the Ulysses S. Grant Monument Association, Authors Guild and American Historical Association and is also a trustee on the board of the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association in Caldwell, NJ. He holds a Masters in History and also teaches at William Paterson University

Louis has spoken widely on the topic of the presidents and the places we commemorate them, including Morristown National Historical Park, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, and the international conference "U.S. Presidents and Russian Rulers" at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. After the passing of President George H.W. Bush, Louis was interviewed by the BBC, NPR, Washington Post, and New York Times to discuss the former president's legacy and the history of presidential funerals. he has also appeared on C-SPAN & the television program "American Mystery" on the Travel Channel to discuss the mystery of JFK's missing brain

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a barometer of the reputation of Ulysses S. Grant as an American leader (hero) the fate of his tomb in New York City is perhaps the most accurate measure. The largest mausoleum in North America, when it was built in the late 19th century in Riverside Park, both tomb and hero were at the height of their renown.

In its first few years, the building was the top tourist attraction in New York City, getting more than 500,000 visitors a year and beating out the new Statue of Liberty. And the man it honored was ranked with Washington and Lincoln as one of America's three top figures.

Later, both the monument and its subject started to decline in reputation, as trends in both history and NYC real estate (and crime) shifted. Perhaps the low point for both was the early 1990s, when Grant was considered one of the four worst presidents and the tomb had become a rundown site that attracted few tourists but many drug addicts and prostitutes.

Picone's book tells the story well of how a few people brought the Grant monument back into good condition and good repute, just as Grant's own reputation as a historical figure was on the rise.

Today, led by Eric Foner, Ron Chernow and other historians who have taken a new look at both the man and the Reconstruction era in which he governed, Grant is now ranked in the top half of presidents and near the top of American military leaders.

Likewise, members of the Grant family along with one dedicated attorney in NYC, Frank Scaturro, who fell in love with the monument while an undergrad at Columbia and made it his person mission to get it restored, have helped the Park Service bring the tomb building and grounds to its former glory during the last 25 years.

Scaturro and his group are even considering exciting new additions, like a statue of Grant on horseback that was formerly imagined but never built due to lack of funds. Picone makes a good case why any patriotic American should want this work to move forward.

I think Grant's reputation should rise even higher, and his tomb and monument should again become a top spot for Americans and people from around the world to visit.

Given that Grant saved the Union during the Civil War, he's surely one of our three top military leaders, along with Washington and perhaps Eisenhower. And since Grant became America's first president dedicated to civil rights, vigorously standing up for Black Americans to vote and participate in politics across the South and crushing the KKK and other domestic terrorist groups with federal troops, Grant deserves to be ranked in the top ten presidents.

In an era of Black Lives Matter, what Rev. William J. Barber II has called America's Third Reconstruction, we need the example of Grant as a white ally for multiracial democracy today more than ever!

Aside from his overall decency as a human being (so modest, so compassionate, so loyal) and his very American life story of rising from a failure in business to a military hero when the right moment came, Grant deserves to be much better known and much better appreciated.

As the 200th anniversary of Grant's birth approaches in April of 2022, Picone's engaging and exhaustively researched book is perfectly timed to help in this necessary work.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Ulysses S. Grant helped unite the nation during the Civil War. Loved by all citizens from the South and the North, his dead caused a fortification of unity during a period of tremendous grief and sorrow. His tomb just as amazing trajectory as his life.

[Jessica VanGorder King · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self pro-claimed U.S. Grant enthusiast, even I was a bit skeptical of how interesting the history of his tomb could be. I was blown away by this book and the meticulous research done to write it. Picone provides a unique and fascinating account of a view of history often overlooked in the biographies of great men and women - what comes after their death. I learned so much from this book. It is truly a fabulous work that weaves architectural history with threads of reunification, public memory, historic preservation, and cultural history.

Definitely recommend to anyone interested in civil war history, historic preservation, reconstruction, or presidential history.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are a few great biographies out there on Grant, I have never seen one about the creation of his tomb. You will get a quick synopsis of Grant's life here, and his last days, but this book won't dwell on a story already told. This book gets right to the point, Grant's legacy.

I found this book excellently researched, very thorough, and quite entertaining. Thank you to the author for raising awareness about the tomb, for providing the backstory so well, and for some great photographs.


Thank you to Edelweiss+ (Above the Treeline) for an advanced reader's copy.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant’s Tomb by Louis Picone
.
.
.
Ulysses S Grant, commanding General of the Union troops during the civil war, 18th President of the USA, and devout husband and family man. This book takes us along the journey to bring Grant to his final resting place in New York City and exposes the many battles and struggles that took place along the way. Grant’s Tomb took over 12 years to complete after his death with many financial roadblocks and fundraising issues. His final resting place has been a source of controversy and hard feelings since its inception. As the largest mausoleum in the USA, the upkeep and maintenance are extremely expensive and the tomb has fallen into disrepair time and again; the same way that Grant has been largely forgotten to history. An extensive amount of research went into this book to remind the reader that US Grant is still relevant and important in today’s world and his memory should be kept alive and honored with the proper upkeep of his final resting place. Grant should be restored to his proper place in American history as the savior of the republic because without him our country would have been torn in two and history forever altered.
.
.
#read #bookstagram #history #grant #usgrant #ulyssessgrant #president #general #grantstomb #newyork #newyorkcity #america #civilwar #military #reading #readersofinstagram #books #knowyourhistory

[Val Crofts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal story of an American hero and underrated President! After visiting the Tomb recently, I was curious about how it was placed there. This book tells the story in a fascinating way! Thank you for writing it!

[Amanda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge history lover and, having read tons of obligatory biographies, I really love anything about a specific piece of information about something I already know. This was perfect- I know the Grant story but was unfamiliar with the story of his tomb and was enthralled. I live near Mt McGregor and have visited many times but the ordeal of his remains and tomb was really fascinating.

[Bob Melia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent resource into the creation, procurement of funds, and construction of the largest mausoleum in North America. Picone has researched well his topic. From the desire of NYC to be the location of President Grant’s final resting place, the 12 year journey to complete it, and the subsequent decades of neglect are brilliantly illustrated by the author.

I will leave it to each reader to decide why certain things occurred along the way to Grant’s Tomb. Suffice it to say that local, state, and the national government failed the Grant family, legacy, and the American people by their actions/inaction.

The book is an important read for all citizens.

[Curtis Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a book about metamorphosis, if you think about it. You have Sam Grant, veteran of the Mexican war, living in a cabin that he actually called Hardscrabble, way out in what are the outer suburbs of St. Louis. In a few short years, he puts on his uniform again; works his way up to general's stars, and from thence to overall command of the Union cause, and the unconditional surrender of the Confederacy. A few more years puts him in the White House, and from thence to a Grand Tour around the world, and undying fame--until he was diminished by fraud and ravaged by cancer.

But that wasn't the end of it. Once Grant's spirit was no longer contained in its earthly shell, it could then be memorialized in stone. Or at least that was the idea. The reality turned out to be more than a bit complex.

So Grant's body lay in repose in the tiny cabin in Saratoga Springs where he completed his memoirs and died, until he was put aboard a funeral train through Albany, and then laid to an unquiet rest in a temporary tomb on the northern shores of Manhattan.

GRANT'S TOMB is not really so much about Grant, or the tomb itself, but the process of metamorphosis which carried on throughout his life and death. Picone is meticulous in getting the details right about the politicking that got Grant's body to New York, and the off-and-on fundraising efforts that resulted in the current edifice. A fascinating read, not least as a case study for the rise and fall and rise and fall of the cult of the Presidency.

[Gilda Felt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know whether to feel proud of the Americans who wanted to honor the man who saved the Union by building a monument where his body would reside. Or to feel great shame because Americans would then turn around and allow that monument to fall into such drastic disrepair.

In hind site, it would have been better to bury him at West Point, at Arlington National Ceremony, or the Old Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C., where the grave would get the respect, and the upkeep, it so richly deserved. But New York was eager for him to be buried in New York City, which also lined up with what the family preferred, as Julia Grant, his wife, wished to be buried next to him when her time came.

The book covers the years from Grant’s death until the present in almost minute detail. In some ways, perhaps too minute, as the story can at times be painful to read. What it does show is how little most Americans know, much less revere, their own history.

It appears that the disrepair has finally been addressed. Lighting has been added, and the tomb taken back from the gangs and homeless who had claimed it. I’ve often wished to visit the monument, but, given how fast things can turn around, am rather afraid at what I might find.

[Bryn D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very glad that Grant’s life is seeing a recent resurgence in the publishing world and while this book is not so much about Grant’s life and briefly covers his death it is still a worthy book that finishes the story of his life and death. For a wonderful book about the final year of Grant’s life none is better than Charles Bracelen Flood’s “Grant’s Final Victory”. Though this book briefly covers his death, it picks up where Flood’s book leaves off: his funeral and memorialization. It largely focuses the history and construction of the General Grant National Memorial, commonly known as Grant’s Tomb. As a Grant enthusiast it was a fitting and interesting final chapter on all I’ve come to learn about U.S. Grant. From the funeral to the design proposals, fundraising, completion and how it faired the test of time since it’s dedication in 1897 I can say I learned a lot but as it’s mostly a history of the construction of a structure my interest was limited. It was a good book.

[Steven Voorhees · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picone has written an interesting yarn about Grant’s Tomb — from its inception, conception, fundraising for it and its construction to its dedication. And beyond. In its beyond, the memorial has been both revered and mistreated; “treated like a subway station,” and has been a haven for homeless people. Picone faithfully rehearses how the tomb came to be and the personalities who made it happen. One such person was its designer architect John H. Duncan (he also designed Trenton’s Battle Monument). Unfortunately, Picone gets waylaid in minutiae and tidbits that are irrelevant to the book’s subject. They distract, to the book’s deterrent, and sap its narrative energy. A better approach would’ve been a just-the-facts monograph about the tomb’s rocky history but without space-consuming and really pointless factoids.

[Hans Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An at times shocking volume, Louis Picone presents the saga of efforts to memorialize Ulysses S. Grant, the general turned president who defeated Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, emphasized the country's need to heal, destroyed the first Ku Klux Klan, and stood up for the civil rights of African Americans throughout his administration as president of the United States until public support for military reconstruction waned. Picone's book begins with Grant's final illness - as throat cancer claimed his life in 1885 - and concludes in the present day: a biography of Grant's tomb and the highs and lows of its life as the only presidential grave in New York City. A damning indictment of mismanagement and malaise by the National Park Service from the 1950s to the late 1990s, "Grant's Tomb" is a masterwork on the need to remember and the need to care about historical preservation.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly fascinating and well-researched tale of the birth, death, and resurrection of one of America's most controversial, and most neglected, national monuments. The life of the General Grant National Memorial ("Grant's Tomb" to New Yorkers) mirrors the twists and turns of New York City's-- and the nation's-- political, cultural and social rollercoaster since its sensational dedication in 1897. Even though I lived within walking distance of Grant's Tomb for 4 years of my life, I am sorry to admit that I visited it only once or twice. This book (and my unfashionable admiration for General Grant) has made me determined to visit again sometime soon.

[Adam Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great survey!

So many books about episodes of Grant's life rehash his whole life and pay relatively little attention to the event it is ostensibly about. Picone does thing the right way, assuming the reader knows the story and spending the bulk of the book discussing the tomb and its place in history. He shows how the state of Grant's tomb varied with his reputation. An excellent survey that shows how the debate over a great man's legacy affected where he lay to rest. A great read for the bicentennial celebration!

[Jeff Gavazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading. For fans of Grant has some quite interesting sections. However, making the funding raising for a tomb and construction spell binding is a difficult task. For the number of times I have been in New York, I'm disappointed I didn't take the time to visit the site.
Gallantry and Resilience: The Chronicles of James B. Thompson is a Civil War tale of America at it's crossroads. Emma Gavazzi takes hold of Thompson's heroics and doesn't let go.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the death of Ulysses S. Grant in 1885, the cities/states that sought to have his body, and what it took to build his monumental tomb in New York City. Though his two-terms as president were not admired, his years service to the country as a general, were greatly admired, and 1.5 million people attended his funeral procession in NYC. Grants Tomb is the largest mausoleum in North America.

[Perry Esping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book detailing many important facts but once the climax of the book hits, the remaining chapters can be a bit of a slog to get through though they also contain very and interesting important info. Over all this is an important book recalling the construction of a monument and final resting place to the savior of our Union and how a lack of care has led it falling into disrepair a number of times

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Struggle in a Losing Battle?

With the division of opinions of many Americans these days, I am ashamed that the challenges we faced since our nation began there is so little pride and reverence. After reading this book, and learning the history of the past struggles, “we the people” have much to change in order for us to survive as “One Nation Indivisible”.

[Mervyn E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fascinating book filled with interesting details. (NOTE: When you reach 60% on Kindle, you have finished the book — the rest of it is footnotes and annotations ).
I thought after the completion of the tomb, the book would pretty much be over, but was surprised to learn. the history many years after the construction is also very interesting.

[Daniel Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply researched account of Grant’s passing, the nation’s response and the drawn out process to create a final resting place for him in New York. Spends time with Grant in the last months of his life and does a great job of detailing the displays of sorrow after his passing. Tracks the tomb from its creation through modern times.

[Steven Beningo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on a National Park Service unit that has endured some hard times - first in getting the monument constructed in the late 19th century, then in its insufficient maintenance in the second half of the 20th century.

[Kwill6th · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painfully bogged down in minutia. The details included were excruciating and, in my opinion, took away from the story. Was there an editor? It took 12 years to raise the funds to complete the tomb. Felt like it took 12 years to read this book. Thank goodness I finished it.

[Alex Dimaio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Enjoyed it so much I visited the tomb the day I finished the book.

[Emily, skylar, Sky, Emma, coffin, samantha, alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good for your term paper.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on a rather obscure topic.

[Mark B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sad but well written book that moved me. Strong contender for Favorite Book Read 2023.

[Christina Gagliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really puts Grant’s life—and of course death!— and how he’s been perceived at various times into perspective.

[Perregryn Nebbdure · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great but necessary look at our unions savior’s final resting place.

[Eleanor Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is amazing how many loved Grant as a general, if not as a president.
Right after his death, parades were held in his honor and millions visited to view his remains and later his monument.
Yet by the 1970's the site was used by gangs and druggies and the homeless and no respect was shone. The National Park System had taken over and were derelict in their duty to promote and protect this sight. Finally when a young whistle blower roused the attention of the public and Galina and Ohio vied for permission to move President Grant the Park Service started to repair the scene.