The Beginning

To begin my life with the beginning of my life, I record that I was born…

No, wait, that was David Copperfield! What I’m talking about is the beginning of the “Dead Presidents” thing. It all started back in the 1990’s with a trip to New York (although I didn’t realize I was starting anything at the time). We were just doing the New York tourist thing and stopped by Grant’s Tomb.

Although the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant (1822 - 1885) was fraught with controversy and scandal I’ve always had a soft spot for the man who was a great general (mostly against his wishes) and a fairly laid back guy – he was just no politician and not a very good businessman. He also obviously cared for his family:

After retiring from the Presidency, Grant became a partner in a financial firm, which went bankrupt. About that time he learned that he had cancer of the throat. He started writing his recollections to pay off his debts and provide for his family, racing against death to produce a memoir that ultimately earned nearly $450,000. Soon after completing the last page, in 1885, he died. (from Grant's whitehouse.gov biography)

Although a native of Ohio, Grant died in New York, and was such a national hero, his tomb was erected there to much fanfare:

Approximately 90,000 people from around the country and the world donated a total of over $600,000 towards construction of his tomb, the largest public fundraising effort ever at that time. Designed by architect John Duncan, the granite and marble structure was completed in 1897 and remains the largest mausoleum in North America. Over one million people attended the parade and dedication ceremony of Grant's Tomb, on April 27, 1897. (from Grant's Tomb National Park website)

That settles it as to which president has the most ostentatious memorial…

I guess it would only be fair if I revisited this, my first dead president’s monument, but since I still have others to see, it’s not top on my list (but any excuse to visit New York is always welcome).

And to answer the age old question: “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” No one. Both Grant and his wife, Julia, are entombed there - their caskets are above ground in granite sarcophagi (from Montello, WI).