Interesting Facts About Ulysses S Grant

Interesting Facts About Ulysses S Grant

Ulysses S Grant was one of the most famous figures in American history. He is best known for leading the Union to victory in the Civil War and then becoming the 18th President of the United States. He was a remarkable leader who accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, and there are many interesting facts about him that are worth knowing. Here we will take a look at some of the most interesting facts about Ulysses S Grant.

Early Life

Ulysses S Grant was born on April 27th, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the son of Jesse Root Grant and Hannah Simpson Grant. His parents were both devout Methodists, and they named him Hiram Ulysses Grant, although he would be known as Ulysses S Grant. He attended West Point Academy, where he graduated in 1843. He was then commissioned into the United States Army, where he served in the Mexican-American War.

Civil War

In 1861, Grant was made a Brigadier General in the Union Army. He quickly rose to prominence due to his leadership and military prowess. He was instrumental in leading the Union to victory in the Civil War, and his victory at the Battle of Vicksburg is considered one of the greatest victories of the war. After the war, Grant was promoted to Lieutenant General, the highest rank in the United States Army.

Presidency

In 1868, Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States. He was a popular president who enacted several reforms, including the establishment of the Department of Justice and the National Park Service. He also oversaw the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which granted African-Americans the right to vote. Grant’s two terms as president were largely successful, and he left office in 1877 with high approval ratings.

Interesting Facts About Ulysses S Grant

Now that we have a bit of background information about Ulysses S Grant, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about him:

1. Grant was the only President to have served in both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.

2. Grant was a heavy smoker, and he was often seen smoking cigars in public.

3. Grant was the first President to be photographed while in office.

4. Grant was the first President to be impeached, although he was later acquitted.

5. Grant was the first President to be buried in a national cemetery.

6. Grant wrote a memoir of his Civil War experiences, which was published in 1885.

7. Grant was the first President to appoint a Jewish member to his cabinet.

8. Grant was the first President to visit the western states, including California, Oregon, and Nevada.

9. Grant was the first President to have a telephone installed in the White House.

10. Grant was the first President to appoint a woman to a federal government position.

11. Grant was the first President to be nominated for a third term, although he lost the nomination.

12. Grant was the first President to visit Europe while in office.

13. Grant was the first President to establish a national park, the Yellowstone National Park.

14. Grant was the first President to appoint an African-American to a federal government position.

15. Grant was the first President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he received for his efforts to end the Franco-Prussian War.

16. Grant was the only President to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War.

17. Grant was a teetotaler who did not drink alcohol.

18. Grant was the first President to be targeted in an assassination attempt.

19. Grant was the first President to have a presidential library, which was established after his death in 1885.

20. Grant was the first President to be nominated for a fourth term, although he lost the nomination.

21. Grant was the first President to travel to Cuba while in office.

22. Grant was the first President to have an official “White House” photographer.

23. Grant was the first President to visit the American West while in office.

24. Grant was the only President to serve as a General in the United States Army.

25. Grant was the only President to have served in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.

26. Grant was the first President to establish a national monument, the Grand Canyon.

27. Grant was the first President to be buried in the Grant Memorial Cemetery in New York.

28. Grant was the first President to establish the Department of Justice.

29. Grant was the first President to be nominated for a fifth term, although he lost the nomination.

30. Grant was the first President to establish an official presidential library.

Conclusion

Ulysses S Grant was a remarkable leader who accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. From leading the Union to victory in the Civil War to becoming the 18th President of the United States, Grant left an indelible mark on history. There are many interesting facts about him, including his military service, his presidency, and his many accomplishments. Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of Ulysses S Grant and his life.