Shortly after the ailing General Grant arrived on Mt. Mcgregor in the summer of 1885, he wrote his son Fred a note that was to prove both an understatement and a guide for his family in choosing his final resting place:

“It is possible my funeral may become one of public demonstration, in which event I have no particular choice of burial place; but there is one thing I would wish you and the family to insist upon and that is that wherever my tomb may be, a place shall be reserved for your mother.”

Around since antiquity, the taking of masks of the recently deceased was done for various reasons, frequently to use as a model for later sculptural works of the subject. By the 19th century, the masks themselves became a valuable memento and memorial of the departed.

Not sure what to expect at the innaugural Civil War Weekend? Check out the 10 things you can do at Civil War Weekend.

As General Grant faced terminal illness, the one thing that warmed his heart and gave him hope for the future was the outpouring of support he received daily. The support came in the form of letters, telegrams, resolutions printed in newspapers, and occasionally personal visits.