Article

Who Was Ulysses S. Grant?

Green background with title and text above and between one black and white image of US Grant on the left and two on the right
Black and white portrait of US Grant in uniform standing facing left
Ulysses S. Grant, between circa 1860 and circa 1865

National Archives at College Park

  • Born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio
  • Due to a clerical error, Grant was entered into West Point as 'U.S. Grant,' where he graduated from on June 30, 1843
Black and white portrait of Ulysses S. Grant facing left from shoulders up
Ulysses S. Grant, 1880

Library of Congress

  • During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Grant received two brevet promotions as a result of his bravery, resourcefulness, and horsemanship

  • As Commanding General during the Civil War, Grant led the Union to victory against the Confederacy

  • On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, Virginia

US Grant standing in a black and white portrait facing left
U.S. Grant, between 1861 and 1869

Library of Congress

  • Grant served as 18th President of the United States from 1869-1877
  • As President, Grant created the Department of Justice, Civil Service Commission, established the first National Park at Yellowstone, and ratified the 15th Amendment

Last updated: July 22, 2021