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

Ulysses S. Grant, a name etched in the annals of American history, stands as a testament to a life marked by both extraordinary military triumphs and significant political challenges. From his humble beginnings in Ohio to his pivotal role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and his subsequent presidency, Grant’s journey is a complex and compelling narrative. This article delves into the life and legacy of this multifaceted figure, exploring his early years, his military career, his time in the White House, and his final years.

The story of Ulysses S. Grant begins with his birth as Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the eldest of six children born to Jesse Root Grant, a tanner, and Hannah Simpson Grant. His upbringing was relatively modest, shaped by the values of hard work and practicality that characterized the American Midwest.

At the age of seventeen, young Grant received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. It was here, through a clerical error, that his name officially became Ulysses S. Grant. The congressman responsible for his appointment mistakenly entered "U.S. Grant" on the application, and Ulysses, finding it simpler than correcting the record, adopted the name.

West Point shaped Grant’s character and provided him with the skills necessary for his future military endeavors. He was described as a "plain, common-sense, straightforward youth," more inclined towards practical application than academic pursuits. While not a standout student, he diligently applied himself to his military duties, graduating in 1843.

Following his graduation, Ulysses S. Grant embarked on a military career that would initially see him serving in the Mexican-American War. This conflict provided him with invaluable experience in combat and leadership, earning him the respect of his superiors for his bravery under fire. He steadily rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of captain.

Despite his promising military career, Grant resigned from the army in 1854, seeking a more stable life for his growing family. He returned to civilian life, attempting various ventures, including farming near St. Louis, Missouri, working as a real estate agent, and even collecting bills. These ventures, however, proved largely unsuccessful, and Grant struggled to find his footing in the civilian world. He eventually moved to Galena, Illinois, where he worked in his father and brother’s leather goods store.

The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 marked a turning point in Grant’s life. With the attack on Fort Sumter, he felt a renewed sense of duty to his country, declaring, "The government educated me for the army. 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 quickly volunteered his services, raising a company of volunteers and offering them to the Governor of Illinois, who appointed him adjutant-general.

Grant’s organizational skills and military acumen soon became apparent. He was appointed colonel of a regiment in June 1861 and subsequently promoted to brigadier-general in August of the same year. He was then thrust into the Western Theater of the war, where he achieved a series of crucial victories.

In December 1861, Ulysses S. Grant was appointed commander of the Department of Cairo, Illinois. He quickly demonstrated his strategic prowess by capturing Fort Henry on the Tennessee River and Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River in Tennessee. These victories, achieved in collaboration with Union gunboats, were pivotal in opening up the Western Theater to Union forces and earned Grant a promotion to major general.

One of the most significant battles in Grant’s military career was the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee on April 7, 1862. After initial setbacks, Grant rallied his troops and decisively routed the Confederate forces in a two-day fight, securing a crucial victory for the Union. He continued his string of successes with a victory at the Battle of Iuka, Mississippi, on September 19, 1862.

Grant’s most celebrated military achievement was the siege and capture 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. This victory solidified Grant’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist and a determined leader.

In November 1863, Grant further cemented his military reputation with a decisive victory over General Braxton Bragg at Chattanooga, Tennessee. These successes led to his appointment as lieutenant-general and commander of all United States armies on March 1, 1864.

As commander of the Union armies, Ulysses S. Grant devised a comprehensive strategy to defeat the Confederacy. He launched a series of relentless campaigns against General Robert E. Lee’s army in Virginia, including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. These battles, though costly in terms of casualties, gradually wore down the Confederate forces.

Grant’s relentless pressure on Lee’s army eventually forced the Confederates to retreat to Petersburg, Virginia. He then besieged Petersburg and Richmond, the Confederate capital, ultimately capturing both cities. The culmination of Grant’s military campaign came on April 9, 1865, when he accepted the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.

Grant’s military successes and his image as a war hero propelled him into the political arena. In 1868, he was elected the 18th President of the United States, riding a wave of popularity and public gratitude for his role in preserving the Union.

However, Grant’s presidency proved to be a more challenging endeavor than his military career. Politically inexperienced, he struggled to navigate the complexities of Washington politics and was often surrounded by advisors who were not always trustworthy. His administration was plagued by corruption and scandals, tarnishing his reputation and casting a shadow over his legacy.

Despite his personal integrity, Grant’s naiveté and tendency to trust his friends led to numerous instances of corruption within his administration. He was criticized for his handling of Reconstruction in the South, particularly his reliance on military force to maintain order and protect the rights of African Americans.

While his presidency was marred by controversy, Grant also oversaw some significant achievements, including the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, which guaranteed voting rights regardless of race, and efforts to promote economic stability.

After leaving the White House, Ulysses S. Grant embarked on a two-year voyage around the world with his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Upon his return, he faced financial difficulties, losing his savings in a fraudulent investment scheme. In his final years, he battled throat cancer while working tirelessly to complete his memoirs, hoping to provide for his family.

Grant’s memoirs, published shortly before his death, were a critical and commercial success, providing a detailed account of his life and military career. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies, 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 his tomb remains a popular landmark and a testament to his enduring legacy as a Civil War hero and the 18th President of the United States. His life serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the enduring impact of one individual on the course of American history.