Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a celebrated Civil War general, left an indelible mark on American history. He was a complex and influential figure, and his life was filled with remarkable achievements and experiences. In this article, we will delve into 15 fascinating facts about Ulysses S. Grant that shed light on his multifaceted legacy.
Fact 1: Unconventional Initials
From Hiram Ulysses to Ulysses S.: Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant. However, due to a mistake by the person who nominated him for West Point, he was listed as Ulysses S. Grant, and the name stuck. Grant later joked that the “S” stood for “Samuel” or “Simpson,” but it didn’t actually represent any middle name.
“U.S. Grant” Origins: Some say that his nickname, “Ulysses S. Grant,” led to the abbreviation “U.S. Grant,” which he later used during the Civil War. His initials seemed fitting for a general of the Union Army.
Fact 2: A Talented Equestrian
A Horse Lover: Grant had a profound affection for horses. He was an excellent equestrian and was known for his skill in handling horses, whether on the battlefield or in his personal life.
Favorite Horse – Cincinnati: Grant’s most famous horse was Cincinnati, a spirited and powerful steed that he rode during many battles. Cincinnati became a symbol of Grant’s determination and resilience.
Horse-Loving General: Grant’s fondness for horses extended to his official presidential duties. He even received a gift of two Arabian horses from the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Fact 3: West Point and an Unwanted Career
Reluctant Military Career: Grant attended the United States Military Academy at West Point primarily at his father’s insistence. Although he graduated from West Point, he had no intention of pursuing a military career and initially aspired to become a mathematics professor.
An Accomplished Cadet: Despite his reluctance, Grant excelled at West Point and graduated in the middle of his class. His time at the academy instilled in him discipline and leadership skills that he would later use in his military career.
Chance Meeting with Future Foe: During his time at West Point, Grant befriended classmates who would later become Confederate generals, including James Longstreet and Simon Bolivar Buckner.
Fact 4: A Failed Civilian Life
Pre-Civil War Struggles: Before the Civil War, Grant experienced a series of business failures and financial difficulties. He struggled with civilian life and worked in various professions, including farming and real estate, without much success.
Mexican-American War Service: Grant’s first significant military experience occurred during the Mexican-American War, where he served with distinction under General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott.
Return to Military Life: The outbreak of the Civil War provided Grant with the opportunity to rejoin the military, where he would eventually become a prominent general.
Fact 5: Civil War Victories
Victories at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson: Early in the Civil War, Grant achieved notable victories at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in Tennessee. These successes brought him to the attention of President Abraham Lincoln and marked him as a rising star in the Union Army.
Shiloh and Vicksburg Campaigns: Grant’s leadership during the Battle of Shiloh and his successful Vicksburg Campaign in 1863 were pivotal moments in the Union’s path to victory.
Grant’s Nickname: He earned the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant for his determination and refusal to accept anything less than the complete surrender of Confederate forces.
Fact 6: General-in-Chief
Grant as General-in-Chief: In 1864, President Lincoln appointed Grant as the General-in-Chief of the Union Army. This made him the highest-ranking military officer in the United States during the Civil War.
Overseeing All Union Forces: Grant’s role as General-in-Chief allowed him to coordinate the Union’s overall strategy and directly manage the various Union armies in the field.
End of the War: Under Grant’s leadership, the Union Army pursued a strategy of total war, which played a crucial role in bringing about the Confederacy’s defeat. The Civil War ended in 1865 with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court House.
Fact 7: A Humble General
Unassuming Appearance: Grant was known for his modest and unassuming appearance, often wearing a simple soldier’s uniform rather than a more ornate general’s uniform.
Inclusive Leadership: Grant believed in the principle of inclusivity, treating his troops with respect and avoiding ostentatious displays of authority. He was known for his straightforward and approachable manner.
Lincoln’s Trust: President Lincoln valued Grant’s humility and straightforwardness, as well as his ability to get the job done. Their close working relationship was crucial to the Union’s success.
Fact 8: Presidential Historian
Grant’s Memoirs: After his presidency and following a series of financial setbacks, Grant penned his memoirs, which were published shortly before his death. His autobiography, “Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant,” is considered one of the finest examples of American literature and is praised for its candid and eloquent style.
Mark Twain’s Support: Grant’s memoirs were published by Mark Twain’s publishing company. Twain recognized the value of Grant’s writing and ensured that his work reached a wide audience.
Financial Legacy: Grant’s memoirs not only secured his family’s financial future but also provided important insights into the Civil War and his presidency.
Fact 9: A Battle Against Cancer
Grant’s Suffering: In the final years of his life, Grant faced severe health challenges, including throat cancer. He endured excruciating pain and discomfort.
Determined Writing: Despite his suffering, Grant was determined to complete his memoirs to provide for his family after his death. He wrote many pages while battling the debilitating effects of his illness.
Death and Legacy: Ulysses S. Grant passed away on July 23, 1885, shortly after finishing his memoirs. His tenacity and dedication to the written word are a testament to his character.
Fact 10: The 15th President of the United States
Post-Civil War Presidency: After the Civil War, Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1869 to 1877.
Presidential Achievements: Grant’s presidency was marked by achievements such as the passage of the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights to African American men. He also worked to protect the civil rights of newly emancipated slaves.
Challenges and Scandals: Grant’s presidency faced challenges, including economic downturns and political scandals like the Whiskey Ring and Credit Mobilier affairs.
Fact 11: The Battle for Civil Rights
Grant’s Commitment to Civil Rights: Grant was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans and took measures to combat the Ku Klux Klan’s violence and intimidation.
Enforcement Acts: Grant signed the Enforcement Acts into law, which aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South and empower the federal government to take action against those who obstructed those rights.
Enforcing the 15th Amendment: Grant’s administration actively enforced the 15th Amendment, using federal troops to safeguard the voting rights of African Americans in the South.
Fact 12: International Diplomacy
Diplomacy with England: During Grant’s presidency, he successfully resolved the Alabama Claims dispute with Great Britain through arbitration. This diplomatic achievement prevented a potential conflict and established a precedent for international arbitration.
Establishment of Yellowstone: Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law in 1872, making Yellowstone the world’s first national park.
Support for the Arts: Grant supported the development of the arts and sciences during his presidency, advocating for the establishment of the National Academy of Sciences.
Fact 13: The Grant Monument
The Largest Mausoleum in North America: The General Grant National Memorial, often referred to as Grant’s Tomb, is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. It is the largest mausoleum in North America.
Grant’s Final Resting Place: The monument is located in Riverside Park in New York City, overlooking the Hudson River. Grant’s Tomb is a prominent historical and architectural landmark.
Publicly Funded Monument: The monument was funded by public donations, reflecting the nation’s deep respect and gratitude for Grant’s leadership during the Civil War.
Fact 14: A Remarkable World Tour
Global Journey After Presidency: After leaving the White House, Grant embarked on a remarkable world tour that took him and his wife to numerous countries, including England, France, Italy, Egypt, and China.
Meeting World Leaders: Grant met with prominent figures, including Queen Victoria and Pope Leo XIII. He was celebrated and revered internationally, reflecting the esteem in which he was held.
Financial Recovery: Grant’s world tour helped him secure his family’s financial future, as he was often honored and financially compensated for his contributions to world peace and diplomacy.
Fact 15: Honoring Grant’s Legacy
Grant’s Enduring Legacy: Ulysses S. Grant’s legacy lives on through his achievements as a general, president, and author. His contributions to the Civil War, civil rights, and international diplomacy have left an indelible mark on American history.
Historical Sites and Monuments: Grant is honored through various historical sites and monuments, including Grant’s Tomb in New York City, and his image appears on the U.S. $50 bill.
Historical Reflection: The life and accomplishments of Ulysses S. Grant continue to be subjects of historical study and reflection, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of a pivotal period in American history.
Conclusion
Ulysses S. Grant’s life was a remarkable journey filled with unexpected twists, from his unassuming beginnings to his triumphs as a general and president. He faced challenges with tenacity and made lasting contributions to the United States, from the battlefields of the Civil War to the halls of the White House. Grant’s legacy endures through his memoirs, his commitment to civil rights, and the monuments and historical sites that bear his name. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of leadership, resilience, and dedication to the principles of democracy that continue to shape the United States today.
