What Remains to be Done
Current Conditions

Contrary to popular impression, deficiencies at Grant's Tomb still remain.

Much of the area surrounding the Tomb, including stairways and paths leading to the monument from the north, remains in serious disrepair.

Detail of steps north of the Tomb

Grant's temporary tomb site, itself a memorial worthy of respect, is not properly cared for.

The Chinese Memorial plaque and surrounding area is untended

The overlook pavilion is in terrible condition.

These locations - so much of what we would logically consider to be part of the site known as Grant's Tomb - are actually owned by the City of New York, which has for years entirely neglected its responsibilities to maintain the site.

The federal government owns a cramped space that includes only the Tomb proper and the retaining wall around it. The monument is one of the only public attractions of its kind without any public restrooms. Additionally, the site is without a visitor center to provide the education that historic sites minimally require. A sales desk, book racks, and some exhibits were installed within the Tomb proper, but these items are more appropriate in a visitor center that would allow the Tomb to recover a more reverential atmosphere - not to mention provide space for a more adequate presentation of Grant's life and career. Unlike the early days of the Tomb, visitors can no longer be presumed familiar with Grant's importance in history; visitor center facilities that can educate the general public as to Grant's importance and provide restrooms are essential. Space for such facilities is ample, but cannot be provided without the transfer of land from the City of New York. Given Mayor Bloomberg's manifest interest in reducing New York City's budgetary burden, such a transfer only makes sense.