Ulysses S. Grant at 200

It was 200 years ago on April 27, 1822, that Hiram Ulysses Grant was born in Point Pleasant, OH.

His life story is filled with quite a number of interesting twists and turns, especially considering that he's recognized as one of the US presidents with an Illinois connection, one of many states where he resided.

Many years ago, I visited his home in Galena, which was given as a gift to him following his triumphant service in the US army, especially as an officer, during the Sectional War.  Like with other homes of presidents, it offered a special perspective on who he was as a person.  I remember that as my tour group went through the home, a Ulysses Grant impersonator was leading the other tour group, and giving a first-person narrative.

In some ways, that home represents quite a turn-around in status for him.  He got into West Point through connections, where his name got changed to Ulysses Simpson Grant.  He served gallantly in the US Army during the Mexican-American War, and then his life became miserable while serving at a post in the Pacific Northwest, away from his family and beloved wife.  He eventually left the army, and struggled to make a living in Galena.  The Sectional War gave him a boost in a sense of purpose in life.  He accomplished major Union victories that elevated him to the highest rank of general that has only been attained by a handful of individuals.  His popularity as a general swept him into the presidency, although he's regarded as a mediocre president.

I learned even more about him when I attended a presentation at the June 2017 Annual ALA Meeting by Ron Chernow, as he promoted his new biography about General Grant, which was released in October of that year.  You can count on Ron Chernow to do extensive research of the subjects of his book, which added lots more depth to my understanding of General Grant.  I learned about the strained relations in his family because his Missouri-based in-laws were sympathetic to the Confederate cause.  It's a thick book, and years later, I'm still making my way through it.

As we mark 200 years since his birth, we see in Ulysses S. Grant a reflection of the complexities of US history, yet also the extraordinary achievements we can attain as we do our part to upholding the USA.