Did you know Missouri is home to seven National Park Service sites? Each has its own story to tell, so every month, we’re highlighting the history and things to do at each park. To start, what do you know about Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, located in St. Louis?

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site educates the public on the lives and legacies of Civil War General and 18^th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, as well as the enslaved African Americans and other residents of White Haven, a sprawling former farming plantation where Julia grew up.

The White Haven property was a focal point in Grant’s and Julia’s lives for four decades. The park is anchored by the restored White Haven home and includes a Visitor Center and a museum; it showcases Grant’s humble beginnings and links them with his future and the state of our country today.

White Haven includes several historic structures in addition to the main house: a large horse stable designed by Grant, a detached summer kitchen, and an icehouse and a chicken house, which have all been restored to their 1875 appearance. A walking trail surrounds the estate. Before taking a guided tour of the estate, visitors can watch a documentary film that details Grant’s life. After the tour, the gift shop (operated by Arch park partner Jefferson National Parks Association) is a fantastic place to peruse

You can learn more about Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site and plan your visit at nps.gov/ulsg.