Ulysses S. Grant's Cottage – A Historically Important Site
Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, in the town of Wilton, NY is Grant's Cottage. The cottage is best known as the final residence of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and General of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Grant arrived at the cottage in the summer of 1885 with an entourage of family members, advisors, doctors, and servants. Already suffering from throat cancer, President Grant moved to the restful and peaceful cottage with plans to finish his memoirs while peacefully living out his last days. Though he only lived in the cottage for less than 2 months, the cabin provided enough inspiration for him to complete his memoirs before his death in July of 1885.
Only 20 minutes north of Malta and Saratoga Springs, Grant's Cottage is restored to resemble the way it would have looked during the former President's last days. Visitors can tour the 4-room cottage, viewing original furnishing, decorations, and personal items of the Grant family; this includes President Grant's deathbed and the floral arrangements from his funeral. Of particular note is President Grant's mantel clock. Considered the site's most important piece, the clock was stopped by Fredrick Dent Grant, Grant's son, on the occasion of his father's death. It has not run since 1885, and sits prominently in the cottage.
The cottage has been a popular site with tourists since it's most famous resident's death. For several decades afterwards, American Civil War veterans made the trek to the cottage to pay their respects to the former President. This practice continues to this day, as thousands of people annually tour the cottage and its lovely environs.
Beyond the cottage, visitors can see an historical marker highlighting the spot where Grant last overlooked the Hudson Valley. They can also take a leisurely hike to the Eastern Outlook, which has a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the east, and the Catskills to the south.
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