Ulysses S. Grant – Civil War Hero & 18th President

Ulysses S. Grant, a name etched in the annals of American history, stands as a multifaceted figure. He was a soldier, a celebrated Civil War hero, a politician who navigated the complexities of a nation rebuilding, an international statesman, and ultimately, the 18th President of the United States. His life story, marked by both remarkable triumphs and significant challenges, offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal era in American history.

Born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in the quaint town of Point Pleasant, Ohio, Ulysses S. Grant was the eldest of six children born to Jesse and Hannah Simpson Grant. His early life in rural Ohio provided little indication of the extraordinary path he would eventually tread. The Ulysses S. Grant narrative begins here, in the heartland of America, far from the battlefields and political arenas that would later define him.

At the age of 17, Grant embarked on a transformative journey, entering the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. It was during this period that a subtle yet significant alteration occurred: his name was officially changed to "Ulysses S. Grant." This change, a result of a clerical error made by the Congressman who nominated him, would become synonymous with military prowess and presidential leadership. West Point provided Ulysses S. Grant with a formal military education, shaping his discipline and strategic thinking.

Described as a "plain, common-sense, straightforward youth," Grant approached his military duties with a business-like demeanor. He was not one to seek attention or notoriety, but rather, he focused on mastering the skills necessary for his future career. His education at West Point, completed in 1843, equipped him with the knowledge and skills that would prove invaluable in the years to come. The foundation laid at West Point was critical to the future Ulysses S. Grant success.

Following his graduation from West Point, Ulysses S. Grant served with distinction in the Mexican-American War. His bravery under fire and his tactical acumen earned him the respect of his superior officers, leading to his promotion to the rank of captain. The Mexican-American War provided Grant with valuable combat experience, honing his leadership abilities and solidifying his reputation as a capable military officer.

However, military life was not without its challenges. On July 31, 1854, Grant resigned from the army and retreated to a farm near St. Louis, Missouri. This period marked a significant departure from his military career, as he attempted to establish himself in civilian life. He worked as a farmer, a real estate agent, and even a bill collector, but success proved elusive. The future seemed uncertain for Ulysses S. Grant, as he struggled to find his footing outside the military.

In search of new opportunities, Grant moved to Galena, Illinois, where he found employment in his father and brother’s leather shop. This seemingly ordinary job provided a sense of stability, but the winds of change were already gathering on the horizon. The nation was on the brink of civil war, and Ulysses S. Grant was poised to play a pivotal role in the conflict.

The attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina ignited the flames of the Civil War, and Grant felt a strong sense of duty to his country. "The government educated me for the army," he declared to a friend. "What I am, I owe to my country. I have served her through one war and, live or die, will serve her through this." He raised a company of volunteers and offered his services to the Governor of Illinois, who appointed him adjutant-general.

Grant’s organizational skills and military expertise quickly became apparent. He was appointed colonel of a regiment on June 15, 1861, and in August of the same year, he was promoted to brigadier-general and sent to the front lines. His early successes in the Western Theater of the war demonstrated his strategic capabilities and his determination to achieve victory. In December 1861, he was appointed commander of the Department of Cairo, Illinois, a key strategic location.

Grant’s military star continued to rise as he secured crucial victories for the Union. He captured Fort Henry on the Tennessee River and then Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, working in concert with Union gunboats. These brilliant achievements earned him the rank of major general and solidified his reputation as a skilled and decisive military leader.

The Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee, fought on April 7, 1862, tested Grant’s resolve and strategic thinking. Despite initial setbacks, he rallied his troops and routed the enemy in a two-day battle, securing a vital victory for the Union. He followed this success with another victory at the Battle of Iuka, Mississippi, on September 19, 1862.

Grant’s most significant military achievement came with the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This strategic stronghold of the Confederacy surrendered to him on July 4, 1863, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two and giving the Union control of the Mississippi River. In November of the same year, he achieved another decisive victory over General Braxton Bragg at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

On March 1, 1864, General Grant was appointed lieutenant-general and commander of all United States armies. He devised a comprehensive strategy to defeat the Confederacy, focusing on General Robert E. Lee’s army in Virginia. The ensuing campaigns, including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, were marked by intense fighting and heavy casualties.

Grant besieged Petersburg, a crucial supply hub for Richmond, and eventually captured both cities. His relentless pursuit of Lee’s army culminated in the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War. Grant’s leadership and strategic brilliance had played a decisive role in preserving the Union.

Grant’s status as a war hero propelled him into the political arena. In 1868, he was elected the 18th President of the United States. However, his two terms in office were marked by significant challenges and controversies. While he had excelled as a military commander, his political inexperience and his reliance on trusted associates led to problems with Congress and accusations of corruption within his administration.

Grant’s simple and direct nature made him vulnerable to manipulation by astute Republican politicians in Congress. His early struggles with poverty and his subsequent success led him to place a high value on monetary success, making him susceptible to the influence of wealthy men.

His administration faced numerous scandals, including the Whiskey Ring scandal and the involvement of his private secretary, Orville E. Babcock, in fraudulent activities. These scandals tarnished Grant’s reputation and contributed to a decline in public confidence in his leadership.

Despite these challenges, Grant also achieved some notable successes during his presidency. He worked to protect the rights of African Americans in the South during Reconstruction, and he pursued a policy of peace with Native American tribes.

After leaving office, Grant embarked on a two-year voyage around the world with his wife. In 1881, he purchased a house in New York City and invested his financial assets in a partnership with Ferdinand Ward. However, Ward defrauded Grant and other investors, leaving him nearly penniless.

Faced with financial ruin and diagnosed with throat cancer, Grant began writing his memoirs to provide for his family. His "Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant" became a critical and commercial success, earning his family a substantial income.

Ulysses S. Grant died on July 23, 1885, at the age of 63. He was buried in New York City’s Riverside Park, where a grand monument stands in his honor, a testament to his complex and enduring legacy. His life serves as a reminder of the extraordinary impact one individual can have on the course of history, both on the battlefield and in the halls of power.