Who's buried in Grant's tomb?

That's an old, old joke that doesn't need answering today but the one I Can answer is who lived in this house.  The year is 1865 and a home town boy has returned from the war Victorious. Not just a soldier for the union army but its commander in chief.

In 1861 a relatively unknown Ulysses S. Grant left Galena as a junior officer but quickly rose thru the ranks and in 1863 was the architect of the union victory at Vicksburg. From there he was promoted to Lieutenant General and by wars end was in overall command of all Union forces culminating in the surrender of Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee at Appomattox courthouse.

In August of that year the Grant's returned to Galena triumphant, with a parade, speeches, and fireworks. At the end of the celebration the Grant family were escorted to a brand new home, designed by famed architect William Dennison and purchased by a grateful community as a gift to General Grant and his family. Though he didn't live there for long the home was donated in 1904 as a memorial in perpetuity.

Today the home is a museum and major attraction. It's open Wednesday's thru Sunday's from 9 am to 4:45 pm. A donation of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children is asked for. Large groups are recommended to make reservations ahead of time.  Many thanks to my helper Lil. Nick for the Interior photo's of the museum.