Be A Junior Ranger

Explore. Learn. Protect.

The National Park Service's Junior Ranger program began in the 1960s and was adopted to help kids and their families explore and learn about their national parks, cultivating future generations of park stewards.

Participate in the Junior Ranger program at General Grant National Memorial, and learn about General Grant, his final resting place, and the National Park Service.

Become a Junior Ranger at General Grant National Memorial

Children and adults who visit General Grant National Memorial can become a Junior Ranger by completing the program booklet on site or here online (as of early 2025, we don't have physical booklets. We will accept completed online activites!). After you complete it (ask a ranger or an adult with you for help if you need it!) turn it in at the visitor center to be sworn in and receive your official General Grant National Memorial Junior Ranger badge! Please note that the information necessary to complete the booklet can only be found on site, so a visit to "Grant's Tomb" is required for the General Grant National Memorial Junior Ranger Program.

 

Junior ranger being sworn in by General Grant National Memorial Park Ranger

Listed below are different activities to help you learn about General Grant, his final resting place with Julia Dent Grant, and the National Park Service. A parent, grandparent, scout leader or other helpful adult can provide help if needed, just remember to have fun!

If you need additional help or have any questions, you can email a park ranger or ask questions in-person here at General Grant National Memorial.

• Ages 5-7: Complete one or more activities
• Ages 8-10: Complete two or more activities
• Ages 11+: Complete three or more activities

 

Park Rangers standing in front of General Grant National Memorial

Activity One: Help Us Care for our National Parks!

The National Park Service began to care for Ulysses S. Grant’s final resting place, General Grant National Memorial, in 1959. This site is now a place to remember his legacy and how it impacts our lives today. Did you know that General Grant National Memorial is one of over 420 National Parks across the country, and one of 23 special destinations in the 11 parks that make up the National Parks of New York Harbor? The National Park Service protects and preserves places that are special to the American people. National Park Rangers care for all National Parks, but it is a job we cannot do alone. The stewardship of the American people is vital to the well-being of our national treasures.

1. What are some things YOU can do to help care for our National Parks
2. Have you ever visited a National Park before? If so, where and what did you think of your experience? If not, what National Park would you love to see most? (ex. Statue of Liberty, Redwoods, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and many more!)
3. Would you like to have a career with the National Park Service one day? Why or why not?
4. Park Rangers care for National Parks. Describe what else a Park Ranger does:

 

"Tomb of General Ulysses S. Grant, Riverside Drive, New York City" 1897

Library of Congress

Activity Two: Ulysses S. Grant Word Scramble

1. MIRAH SELYSUS Grant was born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, OH. Due to a clerical error, Grant was entered into West Point as ‘Ulysses S. Grant’ which was how he became known as U.S. Grant.
2. While in WSET OPNIT, Grant was roommates with Fred Dent. Fred would write to his sister, Grant’s future wife Julia, writing: “I want you to know him...He is pure gold. I have never known him to use profane or vulgar word...he is a splendid fellow.”
3. Grant served in the XEMCINA MEAIRACN War as quartermaster. During the war, Grant earned two brevet promotions as a result of his bravery, horsemanship, and resourcefulness.
4. Grant and Julia AMRRDIE in St. Louis in 1848, and went on to have four children.
5. After resigning from the Army in 1854, Grant built a small log house that the family called HRADRSCBBAEL.
6. In the beginning of the Civil War, Grant quickly rose to fame following his victories at Forts Henry and Donelson, where he earned the nickname “NUOCNDITINOLA URRSENRDE” Grant.
7. In 1864, President BRAHAMA NCILNOL appointed Grant to become Commanding General of all Union armies in March, 1864.
8. Following the fall of the FEDOCNERETA capital at Richmond in 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House.
9. In 1848 at the age of 46, Grant was the youngest president DELCTEE, and the first after the nation outlawed slavery.
10. In March 1869, Grant signed legislation that established LLOYESWOTNE as the nation’s first National Park.
11. After his Presidency, Grant was diagnosed with TOHTRA cancer in the fall of 1884.
12. On August 8, 1885 in New York City, Grant’s NEFURLA procession surpassed any public demonstration in the country up until that time, with attendance of 1.5 million people.
13. The monument was completed in 1897, and the EDADICTINO ceremony was held on April 27, 1897, the 75^th anniversary of Grant’s birth.
14. Julia Dent Grant died in 1902, and was placed in a matching POARGSHUASC next to her husband of almost 40 years.
15. General Grant National Memorial is the largest ULMSUAOEM in North America

 

"Ulysses S. Grant from West Point to Appomattox," 1885

Library of Congress

Activity Three: Quiz Time!

After learning about Ulysses S. Grant using the interpretive exhibits in the visitor center, answer the following questions about his life and achievements!

1. Ulysses S. Grant was given the name _________ at birth.
2. TRUE OR FALSE: Grant’s name was listed on the roster as Ulysses S. Grant by mistake. ________________.
3. Grant went to ­­­­___________ for college. He graduated in 1843 and was 21st out of 39 cadets in his class.
4. Ulysses served in what war before the Civil War? He served in this war from 1846-1848. _______________________________________.
5. TRUE OR FALSE: Julia Dent and Ulysses S. Grant got married before the Civil War. _____________
6. Before the Civil War, what job did Ulysses have while in Galena, IL? _________________________________________
7. During the Civil War, what was Grant’s nickname because of his victories in the Battles of Ft. Donelson and Ft. Henry? ________________________________________
8. TRUE OR FALSE: Grant supported President Abraham Lincoln’s aims of freeing the nearly 4 million African Americans enslaved in the South. _______________________
9. What day did Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrender the Army of Northern Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War? _________________________________
10. TRUE OR FALSE: Ulysses S. Grant is the 17^th President of the United States. __________.
11. Grant supported and signed the 15^th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave African American men the ____________________________.
12. Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation designating __________________ the first National Park in 1872.
13. TRUE OR FALSE: Julia and Ulysses Grant embarked on a two-year world tour and settled in Indiana. ___________.
14. Ulysses S. Grant died in __________ from throat cancer.
15. Ulysses S. Grant’s book ______________________ is still considered one of the best military commentaries ever written.

 

Letter from Julia Dent Grant to New York City Mayor William Grace, 1885

National Park Service, Manhattan Historic Sites Archive

Activity Four: Why is the Memorial in New York City?

Using the letter that Grant’s wife Julia wrote to the New York City Mayor William Grace on October 29, 1885, answer the following questions to learn why New York City was selected by Julia as Grant’s final resting place.

A Letter from Julia D. Grant to NYC Mayor William Grace, October 29, 1885

“Dear sir:
Your letter of the 16^th came during my absence and was had on my return from Long Branch. Riverside was selected by myself and my family as the burial place for my husband, General Grant. First, because I believe New York was his preference. Second, it is near the residence that I hope to occupy as long as I live, and where I will be able to visit his resting place often. Third, I have believed, and am now convinced, that the tomb will be visited by as many of his countrymen there as it would be at any other place. Fourth, the offer of a park in New York was the first which observed and unreservedly assented to the only condition imposed by General Grant himself, namely, that I should have a place by his side."

Questions:

1. Name two reasons why New York City was selected by Julia as the final resting place for Ulysses S. Grant.
2. What reasons do you have for wanting to be near your family or friends?
3. Do you agree with the reasons why Julia chose for Grant’s remains to be kept in New York City? Why or why not?
4. What were your initial impressions of the memorial? What features stood out to you the most and why?

 

Architectural elements inside and outside General Grant National Memorial

Activity Five: Picture Match

General Grant National Memorial was designed by architect John Duncan in a mixture of classical styles. Visiting the inside and outside of the mausoleum, write the letter of each picture next to the correct definition.

• A room with a circular plan, usually with a dome: ______
• A triangle-shaped device that allows a dome to go over a square room: ___
• An upright post with a carved top: ___
• Horizontal decorative molding along the top of a wall or roof: ___
• Used to give the appearance of support but is purely decorative: ____