Ulysses S. Grant National Historical Site, Saint Louis

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, also known as White Haven, is a 9.65-acre National Historic Site. The site commemorates the life and career of Ulysses S. Grant, who was a prominent military figure and the 18th President of the United States. Five historic structures are preserved at the site, including the childhood home of Grant's wife, Julia Dent Grant.

White Haven, where the site is located, was originally an 850-acre plantation worked by enslaved people. Grant was sent there in 1854 and supervised the forced labor of these enslaved individuals until 1859. It is important to note that the site recognizes and acknowledges the painful history of slavery and its role in Grant's life and the development of the United States.

Grant was married to Julia Dent Grant, and after their marriage, he was stationed in Michigan and New York. Julia traveled with him to these posts but returned to White Haven in 1850 for the birth of their first child, Fred. When Grant was sent west in 1852, Julia was unable to accompany him due to being pregnant with their second child. She returned to her parents' home after stopping at Ulysses' parents' home in Ohio, where their second child, Ulysses Jr., was born.

Grant's army pay was insufficient to bring his family out to the West Coast, and he attempted several business ventures to supplement his income. Suffering from depression and loneliness after being separated from his family for two years, Grant finally resigned from the army in 1854 and returned to White Haven. He farmed the property for his father-in-law, working with the slaves owned by Julia's father.

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about Grant's life and the history of the United States during his time. The site also acknowledges the difficult history of slavery and its impact on Grant's life and the development of the United States. The preservation of White Haven and the other structures on the site helps to ensure that future generations can learn from and understand this important history.

Why You Should Visit:
The house is literally across the street from Grant's Farm and it is well worth it to take a little extra time before or after visiting Grant's Farm. There are tours every half-hour and as with most attractions operated by the National Park Service, the park personnel does an excellent job of explaining the history of the property.