Exploring St. Louis Day 1





 

Based on input from friends we started  our tour with a culinary experience.  This frozen custard suggestion was a huge hit. I had Turtle (caramel, chocolate snd pecans all mixed together) and Phil had the Hawaiian (pineapple, banana and coconut).  Very refreshing. 

Then we headed over to check out the Ulysses S. Grant memorial.  



Although born in Ohio, Grant’s Historical Site is housed at the home he shared with his wife Julia at her ancestral home, “White Haven,” in St. Louis.  






In spite of its name, Grant had the house painted green when he sand Julia  lived there after the death of her father.  If was here that he came after he resigned from the Army. Who knew that he resigned and tried to become a farmer like his in-laws only to fail miserably.  It was only after Lincoln’s urging that he volunteered the call for troops following the start of the war. 

At  the end of the war and after his years in the White House he and Julia moved back to the farm.  It’s a beautiful spot on the outskirts of the city. 

The interior is simple and modest but quite homey. 


The farm also depicts the small homes where the slaves that were owned by his in-laws lived. Well maintained and very modern visitor center made this a great stop. We also had another very enthusiastic ranger who really put in his time to study Grant snd knew a lot about the man. 

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