National Park Service Site: 78 of 417
Ulysses S. Grant is, I think, one of history’s coolest characters. He was a man dedicated to keeping the Union together and abolishing slavery, and was way ahead of his time when it came to ideas about civil rights. He also married into a slave-holding family and clashed with his father-in-law about both slavery and the future of the United States (re: their united-ness), which I’m guessing led to some very uncomfortable dinner table conversations.
And those uncomfortable conversations happened RIGHT HERE, in St. Louis, MO, at those in-laws’ estate! The historic site has gorgeous grounds, historic buildings to explore and a top-notch museum about Grant’s life. We spent a few hours here on a lovely September morning, watching the park video, taking a ranger tour of the house and grounds, and learning more about Ole Ulysses in the museum. We haven’t been to very many historic sites yet, but we thought this place was excellent and so well put-together. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in St. Louis; and (as always) try to time it so you can hit a ranger program or tour!
This ranger was so great. Rangers who are excited about their jobs and the history of their sites make me happier than just about anything.
