This Historic Park Is One Of Missouri’s Best Kept Secrets
By Liz Oliver|Published September 08, 2018
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Many people are surprised to learn that the most famous Civil War general and the nation’s 18th president called Missouri home. While Harry S. Truman is the only U.S. president that was born and raised in Missouri, Ulysses S. Grant also had strong ties to the Show Me State.
Grant’s first military assignment brought him to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis in 1843. Grant met his wife, Julia Dent, in St. Louis and they became engaged in 1844. They married in St. Louis in 1848, and with a wife to support Grant decided to remain in the Army even though he disliked military life. Before the Civil War, Grant and his family tried to establish themselves as farmers near the Dent family farm. After struggling to make ends meet, the Grant’s moved into the Dent’s home, White Haven and stayed from 1854 until 1859. The estate is now a historic landmark and is maintained by the National Park Service.
White Haven is located just 10 miles south of downtown St. Louis. During the time that Grant and his family resided there the estate was comprised of 850 ares of farm land and had around 30 enslaved persons on the property.
The Grant's first lived across Gravois in a rustic log cabin that Grant constructed himself. The home was known as Hardscrabble and Grant's wife, Julia, disliked living in the rustic cabin. Eventually the family decided to move to White Haven with Julia's parents and Hardscrabble was rented out.
White Haven remained a private residence until 1979, when it was turned over to St. Louis County. By 1989, the National Parks Service took over control and the remaining 10 acre estate became a National Historic Landmark.
Throughout the year there are many activities and historical reenactments at White Haven. The site also hosts archaeologists, naturalization ceremonies, concerts, speakers, and holiday events.
They are open daily, year round, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The last tours of the day are conducted at 4 p.m. You an also take a self guided tour along the property by following the paved path. Be sure to stop and talk with Thomas Barlow, a fictional neighbor of President and Mrs. Grant, played by former park ranger, John Deutch. Deutch has so much knowledge to share about early St. Louis life, Ulysses S. Grant, and life in post Civil War America.
Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit White Haven. The trees on the property turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, and stand out vividly against the green hue of the house.
Enjoy this park for it's historical significance and quiet serenity. Many people drive by this historic park every day without ever realizing it's there. While often overshadowed by Grant's Farm, the Busch Family estate and amusement park, that resides across the street. However, this amazing little estate is free and should be a must for all history buffs.
Take time to learn about an important time in American history. This site remains significant in the conversation about African-American history, American and Missouri history, and Presidential history. Visit for a fun and educational day on this stunning Missouri farm.
