The President Ulysses S. Grant: Things to Know
Ulysses S. Grant is one of America’s most cherished presidents, credited with helping to re-unite the country after the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. He is remembered for his strong leadership and courageous leadership against the Confederacy. Yet his story isn’t just one of heroism and patriotism, but also of grit and perseverance.
This article seeks to honor the 18th President of the United States and shed light on some of the lesser-known facts about Grant’s life and legacy. Here, we take a look at the President Ulysses S. Grant and the things to know about him.
Early Years
Although Ulysses was born Hiram Ulysses Grant, he was nicknamed Ulysses after his father’s old army buddy and he took on the monogram as his own name. He was born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His father owned a tannery which Grant often worked at when he was younger.
Grant had a difficult childhood with his father, who was a strict disciplinarian. As the youngest of the five children in the family, he bore the brunt of his father’s sternness. Grant’s academic performance was average and he was reluctant to go to college.
The West Point Years
In 1839, Grant secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, which he gladly accepted. It was here that he first began to develop his later qualities of leadership, resourcefulness, and determination.
Though he graduated in 1843 near the middle of his class, Grant received two certificates of excellence from the military academy. He also earned the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant because of his talent for leading his men to victory.
Courtship and Growing Family
In 1848, Grant married Julia Boggs Dent, the daughter of a St. Louis slave-owning family. Despite being from a different social class, the two were very happy together. Julia and Ulysses had four children: Fred, Ulysses Jr., Ellen, and Jesse.
Creating History in the Civil War
In 1861, upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant quickly wrote to Washington and offered his services. He was appointed a colonel of an Illinois regiment.
Grant developed a reputation for bold tactics, unwavering courage, attention-to-detail, transformation of the Army of the Potomac, and humanistic approach towards the Union Army and its soldiers.
His relentless strategy kept on pressing the Confederate troops, causing them to spread out and making them vulnerable to attack. His strategy ultimately won the Union victory at the Battle of Shiloh. He also commanded great campaigns such as the Battle of Vicksburg, where he ordered the shooting of two pilots who were guiding a Confederate ironclad into the Union-held city.
This ultimately pushed Grant to the commanding position in all the Union forces in the West, a title which held until the end of the war. The war marked a major personal evolution for him.
Serving as a President and Later Life
Grant’s rise as a postwar hero led him to the presidency, though he had been reluctant. His two terms in office were marred with financial scandals and political controversy, but he worked hard for the betterment of the nation, launching an expensive but effective effort to bring the former Confederate states back into the Union.
Grant also signed into law the 15th Amendment, which protected the voting rights of Black males. He also chose to leave the Reconstruction era to the federal government and supported equal rights for all in his presidential addresses.
Post Presidency Years
Grant and his family travelled the world following his presidency, fulfilling a lifelong dream of travel. The family, who began their travel in England and Ireland, ultimately travelled to other parts of Europe, Egypt, and the Near East.
In 1885, Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer and he wrote his memoirs while he was sick. His book was a major success. After his death, his family received greater respect and admiration for his memoirs, which were seen as a sign of intelligence, courage, and tenacity.
In 1890, Grant’s tomb was dedicated in New York City, which included his remains entombed in four sarcophagi — one each for Grant and his wife, and two for their children. The rest of the tomb is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the New York City.
10 Things to Know About President Ulysses S. Grant
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Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant, but was nicknamed Ulysses by his father after an army buddy.
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His father, Jesse Grant, owned a tannery and Ulysses often worked there when he was younger.
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Grant secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1843 near the middle of his class.
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In 1848 he married Julia Boggs Dent from a St. Louis slave-owning family. The couple had four children: Fred, Ulysses Jr., Ellen, and Jesse.
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Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant was appointed as colonel of an Illinois regiment.
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He developed a reputation for bold and resourceful military tactics, such as the Battle of Vicksburgh and pushing Confederate troops to surrender.
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Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms in office. He signed into law the 15th Amendment, which protected the voting rights of Black males.
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Grant and his family fulfilled a lifelong dream of travel by visiting many countries including England, Ireland, Europe, Egypt, and the Near East.
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Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1885 and wrote his memoirs while he was sick.
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Grant’s tomb, entombing his remains in four sarcophagi, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City.
Ulysses S. Grant’s legacy continues to be remembered fondly today, as he stands tall amongst American presidents for his humane treatment of his soldiers and for bringing back the Union after its traumatic years of war. He was a fearless soldier and a pragmatic leader, who had a profound impact on the nation’s history. This article has highlighted a few key facts about the life and story of the President Ulysses S. Grant, to help keep his great spirit alive.