Ulysses S. Grant

Date of Birth: April 27, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: July 23, 1885

Biography

Ulysses S. Grant was an American military leader and the 18th President of the United States, serving from 1869 to 1877. Born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, he was the eldest of six children. Raised in a modest family, Grant showed an early talent for horsemanship. In 1839, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where a clerical error changed his name to Ulysses S. Grant, a name he would carry throughout his life. Grant’s military career took off during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), where he served with distinction. However, it was during the American Civil War that he rose to national prominence. As a Union general, he led several key victories, including the capture of Vicksburg and the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. His wartime success earned him the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant. After the war, Grant was elected President and served two terms. His presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize the post-war economy, enforce civil rights for freed slaves, and combat the Ku Klux Klan. However, his administration was also plagued by scandals and corruption, which tarnished his legacy. Following his presidency, Grant embarked on a world tour, where he was received as a hero. Financial troubles later in life led him to write his memoirs, which were published posthumously and praised for their literary quality. Grant died on July 23, 1885, in Mount McGregor, New York. He is interred in Grant’s Tomb in New York City, one of the largest mausoleums in North America.

5 Interesting Facts about Ulysses S. Grant

1. Ulysses S. Grant was actually born Hiram Ulysses Grant; his name was mistakenly registered as Ulysses S. Grant at West Point.

2. He struggled with alcohol throughout his life, which affected his military career.

3. Despite his presidency being marred by corruption, Grant was highly respected for his efforts in promoting civil rights for African Americans.

4. Grant was the first U.S. president to visit Jerusalem and many other countries during his post-presidency world tour.

5. His memoirs, written while he was dying of cancer, are considered one of the best accounts of the Civil War and have been praised for their clear and compelling narrative.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ulysses S. Grant

1. “I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”

2. “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”

3. “Let us have peace.”

4. “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.”

5. “The will of the people is the best law.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ulysses S. Grant’s net worth was approximately $100,000, but he faced financial difficulties later in life.

Children

Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, had four children: 1. Frederick Dent Grant (1850–1912) – A soldier and diplomat. 2. Ulysses S. Grant Jr. (1852–1929) – Known as “Buck,” he was a lawyer and businessman. 3. Ellen Wrenshall “Nellie” Grant (1855–1922) – She married an Englishman and lived in the United States and the United Kingdom. 4. Jesse Root Grant (1858–1934) – He pursued a career in engineering and politics.