Ulysses S. Grant

Birthplace of Ulysses S Grant, color illustration, cropped

Ulysses Grant at 21

Battle of Monterrey

Hardscrabble

Ulysses S Grant as Brigadier General, 1861

Battle of Fort Donelson

Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant; April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1869 to 1877. Before his presidency, Grant played a crucial role in the American Civil War as a commanding general of the U.S. Army, leading the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy. His presidency is often remembered for efforts to protect the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction, although his administration was tarnished by numerous scandals.

Early Life

Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839 and graduated in 1843. Grant served with distinction during the Mexican-American War but grew disillusioned with military life and resigned from the army in 1854.

Civil War

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Grant rejoined the army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership and tactical skills. His notable victories at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Vicksburg were pivotal in weakening the Confederacy. Grant was appointed as lieutenant general in 1864 and given command of all Union armies. His Overland Campaign and the siege of Petersburg led to the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in 1865, effectively ending the war.

Presidency

As president, Grant's priorities included Reconstruction and the civil rights of freed slaves. He supported the Fifteenth Amendment, guaranteeing African American men the right to vote, and used the military to protect their rights and combat the Ku Klux Klan. However, his administration was plagued by economic turmoil and scandals, such as the Whiskey Ring.

Later Years and Death

After leaving office, Grant's financial situation deteriorated, leading him to write his memoirs, which were published by Mark Twain and became a critical and commercial success. Grant died of throat cancer in 1885 and is interred in Grant's Tomb in New York City.

Legacy

Grant's legacy is complex. He is celebrated for his role in winning the Civil War and his efforts to protect the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction. However, his presidency is also criticized for its association with corruption and his failure to effectively address the economic issues of the time. 0