The Ulysse S Grant Ancestral Homestead, located in Dergenagh, near Ballygawley, County Tyrone, is a restored 15th-century farmhouse and farmyard that celebrates the heritage of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a key Civil War general. The homestead, where Grant’s maternal great-grandfather John Simpson was born and lived until emigrating to Ohio in 1760, offers a unique glimpse into Ulster-Scots history and transatlantic connections.
The homestead is a preserved, whitewashed, two-room cottage restored to reflect a mid-19th-century Ulster smallholding, as it would have appeared during Grant’s presidency (1869–1877). The cottage features original elements, such as mud walls reinforced with reeds and a rare mud-and-wattle canopy fireplace, dating the structure to the 15th century.
Visitors can explore the fully furnished cottage, which provides an authentic look at rural Ulster life, complete with period-appropriate furnishings. The farmyard includes agricultural implements, offering insights into the daily life of John Simpson’s family before his emigration.
Exhibits highlight the journey of John Simpson, who left Dergenagh in 1760 for Ohio, and his great-grandson, Hiram Ulysses Grant (born 1822), who became Ulysses S. Grant due to a clerical error at West Point. Grant’s pivotal role in the American Civil War, accepting Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender in 1865, and his two-term presidency are central themes.
Interpretive Displays and Audiovisual Shows:
- The site features new interpretive displays (introduced in the 2021 refurbishment) within and around the buildings, detailing local history, the Ulster-Scots diaspora, the American Civil War, and the impact of famine and emigration. These displays enhance the storytelling of Grant’s ancestral connection to Ireland.
- Two audiovisual shows provide an engaging narrative of Grant’s life and the homestead’s significance. Booking in advance for these shows is advisable, as they may have limited availability.
- A Blue Plaque, erected in 1965, marks the site’s historical significance as the ancestral home of a U.S. president.
Amenities and Family-Friendly Features:
- The homestead offers a children’s play area, refurbished in 2021 with inclusive features like a pod swing, a wheelchair-accessible ground-level roundabout, and an in-ground trampoline, making it welcoming for families and visitors with disabilities.
- A butterfly and wildlife garden adds a natural element, while purpose-built barbecue and picnic tables provide spaces for relaxation. The site is set within an attractive 18th-century demesne, now part of a forest park, vibrant with spring colors.
- Free parking is available, and the site is open year-round, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though visitors should confirm hours, especially during winter or holidays (e.g., closed December 24, 2024, to January 7, 2025, based on similar attractions’ schedules).
- The homestead is a compact site, ideal for a 30–60-minute visit, with guided tours available (approximately 30 minutes, as noted during European Heritage Open Days). Visitors praise the “excellent” guides and the “fascinating” connection to U.S. history, with the restored cottage offering a “real step back in time.”
- Located 20km west of Dungannon, signposted south of the A4, the homestead is part of the Clogher Valley’s historical landscape, near attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park (12 miles away), which complements its emigration narrative.
- The site’s rural setting and free admission make it an accessible stop for those exploring County Tyrone or tracing Irish presbyterian heritage. However, some visitors note the need for better signage to locate the site, so using GPS or contacting Mid Ulster District Council is recommended.
Cultural and Historical Context:
- The homestead commemorates Irish presbyterian ties to the U.S., something that was somewhat validated by Grant’s 1878 visit to Ireland during his world tour, the first by a U.S. president. It serves as a bridge between Irish and American history, appealing to those interested in ancestral tourism, a growing trend with 41% of U.S., Canadian, and Australian visitors citing ancestry as a travel motivator.
- The site is managed by Mid Ulster District Council, with support from the Ulster-Scots Agency, ensuring authenticity and community engagement.
Post-Refurbishment Enhancements:
- Following a £58,000 refurbishment completed in 2021, the homestead introduced welcome and directional signage, new interpretive displays, and an upgraded play park. These improvements are expected to remain central to the 2025 experience, with potential minor updates to exhibits or signage to maintain freshness, as is common for heritage sites.
- Events like European Heritage Open Days (EHOD), which featured the homestead in 2023, are likely to continue (typically early September), offering guided tours and community engagement.
- The site’s compact nature and free admission align with sustainable tourism trends, encouraging local and low-impact visits.
Visitors to the U.S. Grant Ancestral Homestead can expect a free, compact, and authentic experience at a restored 15th-century Ulster cottage, offering a tangible link to Ulysses S. Grant’s heritage. The two-room cottage, farmyard, and interpretive displays provide insights into rural Ulster life, the American Civil War, and Irish presbyterian emigration, enhanced by audiovisual shows (booking advised). The inclusive play park, butterfly garden, and picnic facilities make it family-friendly, while the forest park setting adds natural beauty., expect continued emphasis on the 2021 refurbishments, with potential new interpretive content, genealogical workshops, or EHOD events in September. The site’s rural location requires clear navigation. For the latest details, check www.visitmidulster.com or contact Mid Ulster District Council at +4428 8772 8600 or tourism@midulstercouncil.org.
