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10 Things To Know About Ulysses S. Grant’s Last Days And Death

Ulysses S. Grant passed away from throat cancer on July 23, 1885. The body was embalmed right away and put in a temporary glass coffin because of the summer heat. He wanted to be buried at his alma mater, West Point, but he rejected the notion because women could not be buried there.

Grant instead let his wife Julia Dent Grant select the gravesite. She decided on New York City because the family had previously loved living there. In his last days, he was described as resilient and despite the hardships that he faced he made a lasting contribution to the United States as a President.

1. Grant was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 1884

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Ulysses S. Grant learned that he had throat cancer in 1884, which was sad news. This serious diagnosis was obviously life-changing and the seriousness of the situation changed his life. Even though he went through a hard period he showed incredible bravery and perseverance as he faced his illness head-on.

While he was on his death bed he tried his best to ensure that the future of his family was safe by writing memoirs that would go down in history forever.

2. He wrote a number of memoirs in his last days

Ulysses S. Grant thought about his family’s well-being in his final days as a matter of fact he was in a lot of pain but that didn’t stop him from finishing his memoirs even though he had limited left hoping to provide for his family’s financial future. He wrote about his life and his experiences as a military leader and US president despite the fact that he knew death was knocking on his door. 

3. Mark Twain, the famous American author, published his memoirs

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Let’s take a moment to thank Mark Twain because it was he who managed to keep Grant’s legacy alive and publish it. After Grant passed on in 1885, Twain took responsibility for the memoirs’ publication from his publishing house, Charles L. Webster & Company. The late president’s work was given wide distribution by Twain who understood the literary importance of his memoirs which he wrote while he was ill. As expected, it was a smashing success and generated large royalties for Grant’s family. 

4. A lot of famous people visited him while was unwell 

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Given Grant’s role at the time, he was a noble man so it was expected that he would receive a lot of attention while he was unwell.  Dignitaries, politicians, military chiefs, and even President Grover Cleveland travelled to visit him while he was unwell. It was obvious that from the amount of attention and adoration he received he was clearly an influential person. 

5. He wrote a letter to his wife a day before he died

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It was clear that Ulysses S. Grant loved his wife Julia Dent because even at the very end he mastered to get words and wrote a touching letter to his wife a day before he passed away. In the letter he gave a heartfelt farewell where he expressed his deep love and appreciation for the time and marriage they had. This letter serves as a reminder that they had a loving relationship even at the end of their time. We would imagine that his last words to Julia are still cherished memories. 

6. He was honoured with a state funeral in New York City

On July 23, 1885, Ulysses S. Grant passed away, bringing an end to an era and causing deep sorrow across the country. He received a state burial in New York City to honour his remarkable commitment to the country. The funeral procession had a number of people from all walks of life and as expected there were a number of prominent politicians and military figures who had fought for Grant during the Civil War. 

Grant was given a state funeral in New York City as a mark of respect for his exceptional contribution to the nation. A large number of mourners from all walks of life participated in the elaborate funeral procession. A number of well-known politicians and military leaders attended the solemn ceremony, along with veterans and troops who had served under Grant during the Civil War.

7. Grant’s final resting place is the General Grant National Memorial

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Ulysses S. Grant is buried in the General Grant National Monument, a stunning mausoleum in New York City. It is commonly referred to as Grant’s Tomb and serves as a memorial to the famous Civil War general. The tomb was designed using classical design and the layout can be described as tranquil. Visitors from all over the world continue to flock to Grant’s Tomb, which stands as a memorial to his enduring legacy.

8. Grant was offered a solution containing cocaine to relieve his excruciating pain

Because of the pain that Grant experienced a lot of pain and the solution that he got solution containing as a potential painkiller. Grant did not accept this offer because of his concerns about the drug’s potential for addiction even though he was already dying. It’s interesting that he never lost sight of his own values even in his most vulnerable circumstances. 

9. He received a traditional military custom to honour fallen generals

As a tribute to his outstanding military service and leadership, Ulysses S. Grant was honoured with a military tradition that honours the memory of fallen generals. When he was buried, the horse known as “Empty Saddle” or “Black Jack” joined the funeral procession.

This treasured tradition marks the passing of a notable military individual as well as the loss of a great leader. Grant’s extraordinary contributions to the nation and his lasting influence on the military-inspired the addition of this solemn ritual.

10. Grant wrote his memoirs at his cottage in Mount McGregor

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Ulysses S. Grant found comfort and meaning in his cottage at Mount McGregor as he faced the end of his life.  Grant wrote his memoirs with unwavering determination while he was in New York with his family. He was in physical discomfort and fighting throat cancer, yet he was determined to finish this last task. The former president and military chief turned the cottage into a haven where he wrote his life’s story leaving behind a lasting legacy in the shape of his memoirs.

Just before he passed away, Grant completed his book, Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, a two-volume work that was well-received by critics and readers alike. Julia received royalties of roughly $450,000 (or more than $10 million today) for her work.

A 150-foot-tall tomb in New York City is where Grant was burried. The NPS claims that the mausoleum is North America’s largest and was created by John Duncan. ” Let us have peace” is written on the outside. Following her death in 1902, Julia was buried next to her husband.