Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site - Galena, Illinois

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The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site- Galena, Illinois. The house is typical of the Italianate style, which is characterized by well defined rectilinear shapes, projecting eaves supported by brackets, low pitched roof, and balustraded balconies over covered porches which was built in 1860.

Upon Grants return to Galena, where is father owned a business which was run by his brothers, following the Civil War the Grants took possession of the house. The house had been purchased by local residents as a thank you for his service in the war. Following his election as president he retained ownership of the home and returned to Galena for elections.

Grant made his final visits to his Galena home in 1880.

In 1904 Grant’s children gave the house to the City of Galena "with the understanding that this property is to be kept as a memorial to the late General Ulysses S. Grant, and for no other purpose." However, maintaining the Grant’s home proved too costly for the city and the Grant Home Association, so in 1931 the city deeded the house to the State of Illinois

A thorough restoration project was undertaken in 1955. Considerable research was undertaken as the house was returned to its 1868 appearance. Fortunately, much of the furniture used by Grant and his family remained in the house. Restoration of the home was returned to its appearance as pictured in the November 14, 1868, issue of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.

Open Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 5pm April through October. (Last tour begins at 4:45 pm) Winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 4pm November through March. Closed Monday & Tuesday. It is closed New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents, Veterans, General Election, Thanksgiving, and Christmas day. Group reservations are recommended.

Suggested donation: $3 adults, $1 children.

The Grant Home is located at 500 Bouthillier Street.