Historic Structures Report, Part I, Architectural Data: General Grant Memorial

Judd, Henry

General Grant National Monument–the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia–is the largest mausoleum in North America. This Historic Structure Report gives architectural data necessary to the rehabilitation and updating of the Memorial. Due to lack of funds, the Grant Memorial Association was never able to complete the Grant Memorial as originally designed by Architect John H. Duncun nor carry out the latter proposal by John Russell Pope. An up-dating of facilities and replacement of out-dated utilities is long overdue. The heating system has never been adequate and is now only partially operable. Its replacement by a more adequate system is badly needed. A storm enclosure at the massive bronze doors was a somewhat makeshift affair and always a visual intrusion. A new storm enclosure designed to harmonize with the structure should be installed. Adequate storage facilities have never been available and the staff has been forced to use a stairway for storage which is both unsightly and a hazard. Toilet facilities for the use of the staff have never been available within the structure making it necessary at times to leave the memorial temporarily unattended. Toilet facilities in the basement area would eliminate that problem. Rehabilitation of the interpretive features would help emphasize the building as a memorial to General Grant and not as just his tomb. The original concept of the structure was that of a memorial.

Historic Structures Report, Part I, Architectural Data: General Grant Memorial

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