World Tour
1877-1879
Only a couple months after the end of his Presidency in May 1879, freed from official duties, Ulysses, Julia and Jesse set off for a trip to England and beyond. The party arrived in Liverpool, England later that month to an impressively enthusiastic reception, a frequent occurrence throughout their travels. Grant met with dignitaries in Manchester and London, receiving distinguished honors such as the freedom of the City of London. The Grant's spent time in Southampton, home of their daughter Nellie, who had moved to England with her husband Algernon. In the end of June the Grant's were invited to dine with Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.
During the summer Grant and party traveled Europe including Belgium, where Grant met King Leopold, Germany, Switzerland and Alsace-Lorraine. On August 31st they landed in Edinburgh Scotland and visited nearby Glasgow, making their way back through the midlands of Britain.
Late October and November were spent in Paris, France where Grant visited many notable sites including the Louvre.
The next leg of the journey began in December and took the party to the Mediterranean on board the "Vandalia". In Italy, Naples, Vesuvius and Pompeii were visited. Christmas was spent at Palermo, Sicily and Malta. Everywhere Grant went he was soaking in the history and culture through art, architecture, ceremonies and archeaology.
In early January 1878 the Grant's began the Middle Eastern leg of their journey at Alexandria, Egypt. Traveling down the Nile they witnessed the famous ruins of the Egyptian civilization including Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. In February the landed in Palestine and braved rough weather and roads while touring the Holy Land, including Jerusalem. The idea that Grant could travel simply as a private citizen had faded early on in the trip. Grant tired of the parades and ceremonies in his honor, but always put on a gracious face when regaled by the local authorities. The party did however enjoy the wonderful dinners provided for them.
The party visited Bethlehem, Nazareth, Damascus and Beirut before sailing for Constantinople in March. While visiting with Sultan Abdul Hamid II Grant was presented with two Arabian stallions. From Constantinople the party visited Athens and the many historic ruins there such as the Parthenon. In late March the party arrived in Rome, Italy. After experiencing the art and historic sites of Rome and a reception with Pope Leo XIII, the party visited Florence, Venice and Milan.
The party arrived back in Paris in early May in time to take in the Paris Exposition. After a month in Paris they departed for Holland and then Germany where Grant had met with Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. After Germany the party spent the summer touringthe principal cities of Denmark, Sweden and Swedish Norway.
The party then traveled to Russia, visiting the cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow. While in St. Petersburg Grant met with Emperor Alexander II. From Russia the party took the train through Poland to Vienna. The months of August and September were spent enjoying the Austrian spas and scenery.
After returning to Paris for about a month, the Grant party accepted an invitation from the King of Spain Alphonso XII. During October into November they traveled through Spain, Portugal and to Gibraltar.
After a return to Paris in December, Grant left for a brief tour of Ireland in early January 1879. He visited Dublin, Londonderry and Belfast in his 5 day tour.
The Grant party left Ireland for the Mediterranean, stopping at Marseilles, France. By this time Jesse had left the party to be replaced by his older brother Fred who would join his parents for the remainder of their tour. Grant became aware that he was being considered for a third-term as US President. On deciding whether to return home, he instead took the opportunity to visit India, and the East aboard a Navy ship. From Marseilles, the party left bound for India, by way of Alexandria, Egypt
The trip was not just the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of Grant to travel and explore, but an unofficial diplomatic mission. Grant spoke with heads of state and rulers about arbitration and cooperation. His reputation and achievements meant that he had a greater potential to be influential in world affairs.
Individuals and places relating to
Grant's World Tour....
(Reporter that accompanied the Grant's on their world tour.)
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