Ten fun facts about Ulysses S. Grant

1. 18th President Ulysses S. Grant Was Born on April 27

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He served as President from 1869 to 1877 and was a prominent leader of the Union forces during the American Civil War. After his presidency, Grant wrote his memoirs and traveled the world. He passed away on July 23, 1885 in Mount McGregor, New York. Grant's legacy lives on today, as he is remembered for his leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to civil rights.

Also → Grant and Lincoln: A Close Relationship That Led to Union Victory

2. Grant Was a Key Figure in Union's Victory in the American Civil War

Ulysses S. Grant was a key figure in the Union's victory in the American Civil War. Under his leadership, the Union Army was able to defeat the Confederate forces, culminating in the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. This decisive victory marked the end of the war and the reunification of the United States.

Also → "McKinley: Last President to Serve in Civil War"

3. A Staunch Advocate for the Radical Republicans

As President, Ulysses S. Grant was a staunch advocate of the Radical Republicans, leading their efforts to completely eradicate any remaining traces of Confederate nationalism and slavery. He was determined to ensure that the Union was restored and that the rights of African Americans were protected. Grant's commitment to this cause was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Reconstruction period was successful in its mission to bring about a more equitable society.

Also → Richard Nixon: Key Figure in the Development of U.S. Foreign Policy

4. Grant's Crusade Against the Ku Klux Klan

Ulysses S. Grant was deeply troubled by the rampant violence in the Southern states, and was determined to protect African American citizens' rights. In 1871, he took decisive action against the Ku Klux Klan, and was successful in his efforts to put an end to their oppressive reign. His actions were instrumental in ensuring African Americans were able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as their white counterparts.

Also → Rutherford Birchard Hayes: 19th President of the United States

5. Grant's Civil Service Reform: More Efficient, Merit-Based System

Ulysses S. Grant was a trailblazer in the realm of civil service reform. In 1871, he became the first president to establish a Civil Service Commission, which was federally sponsored and lasted for two years. This commission was a major step forward in the effort to create a more efficient and merit-based civil service system, and it set the stage for further reforms in the years to come.

Also → Andrew Johnson's Quick Union Restoration

6. Grant's Thoughtful Leadership Achieved US Goals

Ulysses S. Grant demonstrated an unexpected aptitude for thoughtful consideration and dialogue when it came to foreign policy, which ultimately served the best interests of the nation. His ability to weigh the pros and cons of various options and come to a conclusion that was beneficial to the country was remarkable, and it was a key factor in his success as President. Grant's capacity for careful deliberation and discussion was a major asset to the United States, and it helped to ensure that the nation's foreign policy was in line with its goals and objectives.

Also → West Virginia: The Battle That Started the Civil War

7. Grant's Legacy is Tarnished by Depression

Ulysses S. Grant's reputation was tarnished by his tendency to defend appointees who had been accused of unethical behavior, as well as by the economic depression that plagued his second term as President of the United States. This depression was the first of its kind in the industrial age, and it had a significant impact on the country, as well as on Grant's legacy.

Also → Lyndon B. Johnson: 37th VP, Passed Civil Rights Act of '64

8. 2 Terms of Stability

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, and his two successive terms in office provided much-needed stability to the country after the tumultuous American Civil War. During his presidency, Grant was able to successfully navigate the nation through the Reconstruction period, a time of great political and social upheaval. He was able to bring together the North and South, and his policies helped to restore the Union and promote economic growth. Grant's presidency was a crucial period in American history, and his leadership helped to ensure that the nation was able to move forward in a positive direction.

Also → Franklin Pierce: A Key Figure in the Mexican-American War

9. Major General Ulysses S. Grant's Major Role in the Civil War

In 1862, Ulysses S. Grant was a general in the Union Army and played a major role in a series of wars. His efforts were rewarded when he was promoted to major general after helping to secure a major Confederate army surrender and gaining control of Kentucky and parts of Tennessee. Grant's success in these battles was a major turning point in the Civil War and helped to secure the Union's victory.

Also → Hugh Grant, the beloved British actor, was born Hugh John Mungo Grant

10. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, Passes Away at 63

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 63 due to throat cancer at Mount McGregor in New York. His last words were a testament to his selflessness and compassion, as he expressed his hope that no one would be distressed on his account. Grant's death marked the end of a life filled with remarkable accomplishments, from his service in the Mexican-American War to his two terms as President of the United States.

Also → Martin Van Buren: Fiscal Legacy of 8th US President