Impoverished by a Ponzi-style swindle and dying of throat cancer, Ulysses S. Grant moved to the Cottage on June 16, 1885. With the love and support of his family, his publisher Mark Twain and the nation at large, he completed Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant only days before his death on July 23, 1885. The publication of this two-volume work ensured his family’s financial security and gave the world one of the most critically acclaimed memoirs by a U.S. president or historic military figure.
Today, the cottage remains essentially the same as during the Grant family’s stay. Visitors tour the downstairs of the cottage, viewing the original furnishings, decorations, and personal items belonging to Grant, including the bed where he died, and floral arrangements that remain from Grant’s August 4th funeral. The cottage is now owned by the State of New York and open to the public by the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage. (Information Source: https://www.grantcottage.org/)
Residents of Prestwick enjoyed a guided tour of this wonderful piece of American History, that is not that far away from Saratoga Springs. It was a fascinating look into Grant’s last days, you can see by the photos below his flower arrangements, still present. Thank you to the staff and residents who made this tour possible.
