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Grant's Departure
After the Presidency and a world tour, Ulysses and Julia Grant settled in New York to be closer to their children and grandchildren. While the romance of one day returning to White Haven remained, it was not practical. In 1884 Grant lost his fortune when swindled by his son's business partner, Ferdinand Ward. He had used the estate as collateral on a loan from William Vanderbilt and turned the property over to him to settle the debt. Luther Conn, a former Confederate Officer during the Civil War, acquired the property in 1888.
Conn, although a former foe, became so enamored with Grant while owning the property, that he renamed the place "Grantwood" which became the name of the village in which the park now exists.
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~150 Years Ago—
Ulysses S. Grant's victory over Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865 marked the end of the Civil War. Grant and Lee met Wilmer McLean's home to discuss the terms of surrender. Grant offered all officers and enlisted men parole which would allow them to return to their homes. The Confederate military equipment was to be relinquished, but the men were permitted to keep their personal horses. Lee accepted these terms stating, "This will have a very
happy effect on my army."
Although Grant's army was victorious, his instructions to his men were clear. "The war is over. The rebels are our countrymen again, and the best sign of rejoicing after the victory will be to abstain from all demonstrations." As Lee's Confederate regiments gathered one last time to lay down their arms and flags, the Union army under command of General Joshua Chamberlain gave a "carry arms" salute. This salute was returned by the Confederates, each side acknowledging the other.
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