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Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site: White Haven

Step back in time at White Haven, the meticulously preserved home of Ulysses S. Grant, and explore his life before the Civil War.

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Explore the life and times of Ulysses S. Grant at White Haven, his wife Julia Dent Grant's childhood home and the heart of their life together before the Civil War. Tour the meticulously restored house and grounds, and delve into the stories of both the Grant family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation.

A brief summary to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Arrive early for the hourly ranger-led tours of the White Haven home, as openings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Allow 1-2 hours to fully explore the visitor center, tour the house, and walk the grounds.
  • Visit the museum in the former horse stable to learn more about the Grant family and the history of the time period.
  • Take the 0.25-mile walking tour around the grounds to see the outbuildings, including the summer kitchen and icehouse.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is located at 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. It's easily accessible from I-44. Take the Grant Road exit. The site is located across the street from Grant's Farm. Free parking is available in the park's lot adjacent to the Visitor Center.

  • Public Transport

    The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site can be reached via public transportation. From downtown St. Louis, take the MetroLink train to the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center. From there, take the #21 MetroBus to the stop at Watson Road near the Grant Road intersection. Walk north a short distance to the park entrance. A one-way bus fare is $1.00.

  • Bicycling

    For those arriving by bicycle, the site is accessible via Grant's Trail, a paved path that stretches for 10 miles through the St. Louis metro area. The park is located directly off the trail. There is no fee for bicycle parking.

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Discover more about Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, also known as White Haven, offers a glimpse into the life of the 18th President of the United States before he rose to fame as a Civil War general. This 9.65-acre site, located in Grantwood Village, Missouri, preserves five historic structures that formed the core of what was once an 850-acre plantation. Visitors can tour the restored White Haven home, which is painted a distinctive 'Paris Green' color, popular in the 1870s. The tour allows you to walk the ground floor rooms of the home. The site also includes a stone summer kitchen, an icehouse, a chicken house, and a stable that now serves as an exhibit gallery. The exhibits and an introductory film in the visitor center explore Grant's life, military career, and presidency. White Haven was the childhood home of Julia Dent Grant, Ulysses' wife. Grant met Julia while stationed at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, and they married in 1848. From 1854 to 1859, White Haven was the center of their life, where they raised their children and managed the plantation. The site also acknowledges the history of slavery at White Haven, where enslaved people worked the land. While Grant himself owned a slave, he freed him in 1859. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission and tours are free.

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