U.S. Grant Memorial Tour, on the National Mall

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial and reflecting pool plaza is below the U.S. Capitol at the opposite end of the Mall from the Lincoln Memorial. Sadly enough, the Grant Memorial has been hiding in plain sight for these past 100 years.  Last year, the Lincoln Group organized the highly successful ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, anchoring the western end of the National Mall. Now we have oraganized a complimentary tour of the Grant Memorial as well.

Master tour guide Craig Howell will explain how this unusual Memorial honors not only Grant but the men who soldiered under his command. He also will tell us much about the Memorial's sculptor, Henry Shrady, who literally worked himself to death over a 20-year span to see his unique vision brought to life. Craig will also explain how this Memorial was originally intended to be as grand and as central to the national mall as the Lincoln Memorial--a role hardly imaginable today.  LGDC members and their guests are invited to gather at 2 p.m. on Presidents Day, February 20, on the First Street (back steps) side of the Memorial, between the Garfield Monument at the foot of Maryland Avenue SW and the Peace Monument at the foot of Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Craig's talk should end by 2:30.

There is no charge for this event. All Lincoln Group of DC members and guests are invited. Those coming by Metro should get out at the Federal Center SW Station, turn left at the top of the escalators to walk north past Independence Avenue to Maryland Avenue, turn right on Maryland Avenue past the U.S. Botanical Garden and turn left at Garfield Circle to get to the back steps of the Grant Memorial.