by James Harvey

Created on: December 27, 2007   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

Ulysses S. Grant-General, war hero, 18th President of the United States, author, and who graces his own $50 bill- is one of the most colorful and best-loved presidents in American history. The legacy that he has contributed to American history is indeed well-deserved and merits consideration in its annals.

EARLY LIFE

Ulysses S. Grant was actually born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27,1822, in a log cabin in Point Pleasant, Clermont County, Ohio. He was the eldest of six children born to Jesse Root Grant and Hannah Simpson Grant. Young Ulysses' father was a tanner (a person who tans or dries animal skins to be used for various purposes), which he tried to involve his eldest son in. Ulysses hated it; he could not stand the sight of blood-even though ironically enough, later as a General in the Civil War-he would be involved in some its bloodiest battles.

EARLY MILITARY LIFE

IN 1839, When Ulysses was 17 years old, he entered into West Point Military Academy after securing a nomination through his congressman, Thomas L. Hamer. When nominating Ulysses, Hamer mistakenly announced him as "Ulysses S. Grant of Ohio" ,using his mother's maiden name, which he knew. Interestingly, Ulysses wrote his name down as "Ulysses Hiram Grant" because he feared that his fellow students might make fun of the initials of his birth name (Hiram Ulysses) as "H.U.G.". in any event, the "Ulysses Simpson" part of his name stuck-and the name he afterward became known as.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

On August 22,1848, Ulysses S.Grant married Julia Boggs Dent (1826-1902), who was the daughter of a slave owner. They had four children, Frederick Dent Grant, Ulysses Grant, Jr. (who was nicknamed Buck), Ellen Wrenshall Grant (Nellie), and Jesse Root Grant.

LATER MILITARY CAREER

Lieutenant Ulysses Grant served in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) under Generals Zachary Taylor (who himself later became president) and Winfield Scott. He saw some action, one such act coming to the aid of his future brother-in-law Fred Dent. He was twice awarded with military honors for bravery. In fact, Grant became a career soldier, spending 30 years in the military. Of course, his glory years as a war hero would be achieved years later in the Civil War, which began in 1861. Grant fought in the Union Army. He was appointed to the 21st Illinois Infantry in July 1861. The Civil war was the most bloodiest and violent war fought up until that time. Grant became as a valiant and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>