"This memorial to Ulysses S. Grant--victorious Union commander of the Civil War--includes the tombs of General Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. A West Point graduate, Grant served in the Mexican War and at various frontier posts before rapidly rising through the ranks during the Civil War. Grant's tenacity and boldness led to victories in the Battles of Vicksburg and Chattanooga and Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Scenes of these events are depicted in mosaics in the tomb. In 1866, Congress awarded Grant his fourth star, making him the first full General of the Armies.
A grateful nation elected Grant to serve as President of the United States twice, in 1868 and 1872. Grant's accomplishments include signing the act that established the first national park, Yellowstone, on March 1, 1872. After his presidency, Grant settled in New York City. He died of throat cancer on July 23, 1885 in Mount McGregor, New York and was laid to rest in New York City on August 8.
Approximately 90,000 people from around the world donated over $600,000 towards the construction of Grant's Tomb. This was the largest public fundraising effort ever at that time. Designed by architect John Duncan, the granite and marble structure was completed in 1897 and remains the largest mausoleum in North America. Over one million people attended the parade and dedication ceremony of Grant's Tomb on April 27, 1897." from National Park Service
Video from Scenic Routes to the Past
America's Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - Grant's Tomb
"Grant's Tomb in New York City, the Western Hemisphere's largest mausoleum, was modeled on the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus." from video introduction
"The issue of Ulysses S. Grant’s burial site immediately arose upon his death. A figure of worldwide renown, Grant was recognized as one of history’s great captains and the pre-eminent American of his time. It was widely understood that his final resting place should reflect his stature.
Although inclined to choose West Point as a burial site, Grant ruled out this option out of concern that his wife Julia could not be buried beside him when her time came. While dying of throat cancer, Grant indicated to his oldest son, Fred, several possibilities for a burial site: The one essential condition Grant established was that a place be reserved for his wife at his side." from grantstomb.org
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
"Ancient monument, Halicarnassus, Turkey
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The monument was the tomb of Mausolus, ruler of Caria, in southwestern Asia Minor. It was built in his capital city, Halicarnassus, between about 353 and 351 BCE by his sister and widow, Artemisia II. The building was designed by the Greek architects Pythius (sources spell the name variously, which has cast doubt on his identity) and Satyros. The sculptures that adorned it were the work of four leading Greek artists—Scopas, Bryaxis, Leochares, and (most likely) Timotheus—each of whom was responsible for a single side..." from the article: Mausoleum of Halicarnassus