Ulysses S. Grant’s Forgotten Detroit Home: A Piece of History in Peril

by Jasmine August 26, 2024

written by Jasmine August 26, 2024

Ulysses S. Grant’s Detroit Home: A Piece of History in Peril

The Forgotten Piece of Grant History

Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious commanding general of the Union Army and the 18th president of the United States, has countless monuments dedicated to his legacy. However, one significant piece of his history has fallen into disrepair: his Detroit home.

A Brief History of the Home

The home, built in 1836 or 1837, is one of the oldest structures in Detroit. Grant rented the two-story clapboard house in early 1849 while stationed there as a young army officer. He shared the home with his wife, Julia Dent, and they hosted a successful ball there.

In 1936, the Michigan Mutual Liability Company saved the building from demolition and gifted it to the Michigan State Fairgrounds. It was moved to its current location in 1958, where it was opened to visitors.

A Decline into Disrepair

Over time, interest in the home waned, and it was closed and used for storage. When the fairgrounds closed in 2010, the dilapidated house remained. Today, it is boarded up, filled with trash, and an old waterbed sits in one of the bedrooms.

Efforts to Save the Home

There have been several attempts to save the home and move it to a more fitting location. In 2010, an effort to relocate it to the Fort Wayne historic site failed. Another plan, in 2015, to move the house to Detroit Edison Public School Academy’s campus also fell through.

A Renewed Push for Restoration

With the sale of the fairgrounds, the issue of Grant’s house has become more urgent. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is proposing to move it to the East Market area to use as an education center.

The Importance of Preservation

Jack Dempsey, the executive director of the Michigan History Foundation, believes that Detroiters should honor Grant’s legacy by preserving his home. “General Grant saved the nation and President Grant fought to protect the rights of the newly freed. Can’t today’s Michiganders save and protect and cherish [his home]?” he said.

Grant’s Detroit Sojourn

While Grant’s stay in Detroit was relatively brief, it was a significant period in his personal life. He wrote to his wife about the “cute” two-story house and the fine garden and grapevines. Julia Dent came to live with him there, and the two threw a successful ball.

However, Grant’s stay in Detroit was also marked by loneliness and drinking. When his wife became pregnant, she decided to move back to St. Louis, and Grant began drinking heavily. He later realized his drinking was becoming a problem and made a pledge to abstain from alcohol.

Despite his struggles, Grant went on to become a great military leader and president. His Detroit home is a reminder of his early life and the challenges he faced.

A Legacy to Be Cherished

Whether the preservationists will prevail will likely be determined later this month. Whatever happens with the home, it is a valuable piece of history that should be cherished and preserved for future generations.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.