Ulysses S. Grant
| Ulysses S. Grant | |
|---|---|
| File:Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 18th President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1869 – March 4, 1877 |
| Vice President | Schuyler Colfax (1869–1873) Henry Wilson (1873–1875) |
| Preceded by | Andrew Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Born | April 27, 1822 Point Pleasant, Ohio, United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Julia Dent Grant (m. 1848–1885) |
| Children | 4 |
| Profession | Soldier, general, author, politician |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy (West Point) |
| Signature | File:Ulysses S. Grant Signature.svg |
Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant, April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was the 18th president of the United States, serving from 1869 to 1877. A legendary Union general during the Civil War, Grant led the North to victory and later sought to heal the nation as president during Reconstruction.
Early Life and Military Career
Grant was born in Ohio and graduated from West Point. He served in the Mexican–American War but left the Army in 1854. Struggling financially, he worked in various civilian jobs before returning to service during the Civil War.
Civil War Hero
As commanding general, Grant led the Union Army to key victories, including:
- The Siege of Vicksburg
- The Battle of Chattanooga
- Forcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee to surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865
Grant was hailed as a national hero and promoted to General of the Army.
Presidency (1869–1877)
Grant was elected president in 1868 and re-elected in 1872. His administration prioritized:
- Protecting African American civil rights during Reconstruction
- Prosecuting the Ku Klux Klan
- Supporting the 15th Amendment
- Establishing the Department of Justice
However, his presidency was also marred by multiple corruption scandals among his cabinet and associates, including the Whiskey Ring and Credit Mobilier.
Later Life and Memoirs
After leaving office, Grant traveled the world and later faced financial ruin due to a failed investment scheme. He wrote his memoirs while dying of throat cancer, completing them just days before his death. His memoirs were a literary and financial success and are still highly regarded.
Legacy
Grant's reputation declined for decades due to the scandals of his administration, but modern historians now praise his strong leadership on civil rights and his efforts to stabilize the post-war nation. He is buried in Grant’s Tomb in New York City, the largest mausoleum in North America.