Born April 27, 1822, Ulysses S. Grant is one of America’s least appreciated historical figures but one of the most relevant to today.
Anyone can find inspiration in the story of how a quiet young man rose from obscurity to leader of victorious armies and our nation’s eighteenth president. And in a time committed to forming a more perfect union, Grant offers an unparalleled example of achievement and service to his country.
Grant won the Civil War not just through superior men and materiel but through battlefield genius. His presidency was a unique time of hope and promise for freedom and civil rights not seen again until the following century. And his memoirs are considered one of the great works of American literature.
After his presidency, Ulysses and Julia took a trip around the world where they were showered with adulation, a sign of respect not only for the United States, as Grant himself said, but also for the accomplishments of the man who saved that nation, helped end slavery, and reconciled warring sections.
There are many sources of facts about the life of Ulysses S. Grant in books, films, and online. We will add the ones we like best to this website on an ongoing basis. In the meantime, we offer thoughts on what made Grant successful along with quotes by Grant as well as quotes by his contemporaries about Grant.