Grant Visits Newburgh, New York

There have been many notable individuals who have visited Washington’s Headquarter in Newburgh during its one hundred and sixty six years. One of its most prestigious was a visit by President Ulysses S. Grant. He visited the historic site on August 7, 1869. It was part of a larger tour for the 18^th President of the United States.

Mayor George Clark was the first mayor of the newly incorporated city of Newburgh. When he heard that Grant would be touring the area, most notably West Point, he sprang into action. With the good wishes of the common council, Clark, along with J.T. Headley, Alfred Post, and James W. Taylor waited on President Grant. During a meeting of the common council of the City of Newburgh, on June 17^th, 1869, an invitation was extended to President Grant to visit Newburgh as well as Washington’s Headquarters. They asked when would be a convenient time for him. Grant accepted the invitation, and believed he would visit in July 1869.A committee swung into action in anticipation for what was billed as the first ever visit of a sitting president to the city. Grant decided to visit Newburgh on August 7, 1869.

A special carriage road was constructed for a procession that would start at the wharf when the Steamboat M. Martin docked. It was no coincidence that this steamship was chosen. The M. Martin was used by Grant during the Civil War. F.Van Loon Ryder wrote, that the Martin was chosen as General Grant’s dispatch boat…After the Confederate Capitol fell to Union forces, President Lincoln and General Grant visited Richmond and held conferences aboard the M. Martin.” The escort would include municipal authorities, military, firemen, civic societies, which brought the President of the United States to Washington’s Headquarters, Newburgh. The local G.A.R. post refused to participate. They were “displeased with the ousting of a one-legged soldier from the office of post master of this city and the substitution of a politician in his stead.” This was after, they alleged, Grant assured the veteran that he would remain in his post.

Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, NY

Mayor Clark cabled to Grant, at West Point, that the Steamship M. Martin would be docked at the wharf at 10:00 am. Grant replied to the mayor that he would depart aboard the steamer at 10:05 am. Aboard the ship were Secretary of State Fish, General Pitcher, General Porter, Mayor Clark, and J.T Headley among others. Grant arrived at 11:00am, and was paraded by carriage through the streets of Newburgh to Washington’s Headquarters. Clark gave a short speech, followed by a toast. Grant deferred his own speech saying, “You do not expect any person to make two speeches in one day; therefore you will not expect me to respond.” After a tour of Washington’s Headquarters, Grant was wined and dined at the home of Mayor Clark.

Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress

President Grant left Newburgh in the early evening. Once again, Grant and his entourage, left Newburgh aboard the M. Martin. They headed south, but this time not to West Point. Newspapers reported that his next stop was Cold Spring. This first presidential visit to the city of Newburgh was talked about for a long time.

Steamer “M. Martin” in Rondout Creek winding around to dock, circa 1890s. View of end of Island Dock with many canalboats carrying coal. Hudson River Maritime Museum collection