The Grant Bicentennial will be marked on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14 in Quincy, Illinois, where Ulysses S. Grant first marched off to the Civil War in 1861. Grant was born in Ohio in 1822 and observances of his Bicentennial have taken place this year in New York City, throughout Ohio, Galena and Springfield in Illinois, at his presidential library in Mississippi, at his home near St. Louis, and at the cottage he died at near Saratoga, N.Y.
A local news report describes the planned event:
The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and the Tri-States Civil War Round Table are teaming up to mark the bicentennial of the birth of Ulysses S. Grant.
Events planned Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14 will celebrate the 18th president and his connection to Quincy.
“In Quincy we have a special connection to Grant, perhaps even a special obligation to keep his memory alive,” said Beth Young, an organizer of the events. “From Front Street in Quincy, Grant and the 21st Illinois marched into Missouri and began their service in the Civil War. Grant was in Quincy twice, once later campaigning.”
Thirty-minute tours of the Governor John Wood Mansion and presentations by historical re-enactors will be offered 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 13. The tours are free, but space is limited, and reservations are required by calling HSQAC at 217-222-1835.
Wood’s wife Ann, portrayed by Kelsey Pigg of Quincy, will greet visitors at the mansion door, while Quincyan Dr. Tim Jacobs as Wood will greet people at the log cabin.
Inside the mansion, Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Fritz Klein of Springfield, will greet guests in one room, with Grant, portrayed by Curt Fields of Colliersville, Tenn., in another and Warren Brown of Freeport as Mark Twain in a third room.
“Lincoln will talk about his connection to Quincy and to Grant. Grant will talk about his visits to Quincy and his relationship with Lincoln, and Mark Twain will talk about his relationship with Grant and Grant’s memoirs,” Young said.
“Three very interesting and important personalities in the mid- to late-19th century U.S. history knew one another well, communicated with each other and had lives intertwined in a variety of ways.”
Music by the Pike Pipers, Civil War-themed exhibits and the 8te Open food truck featuring Lincoln-, Grant- and Twain-themed menu choices will be available on the grounds, and visitors are welcome to view the mansion’s parlor, herb and prairie grass gardens.
A brief rededication of the Grant marker in Clat Adams Bicentennial Park will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14.
Fields, as Grant, will speak as well as Quincy Mayor Mike Troup, with American Legion Post 37 providing military honors.
Here is more info on the event.
