Study Overseas

In the following year, his campaign triumphed in Vicksburg (with a simultaneous Union win at Gettysburg) as the Union gained control of Mississippi. Due to his tolerance for corruption, he is ranked amongst the lowest quartile by Presidential experts. Recently he has bettered that reputation amongst scholars for his effort and support for the civil rights of African Americans. Grant was unsuccessful in achieving victory for a third term in 1880, during this time he was very ill with throat cancer and bankrupt with bad investments - it was then when he wrote his Memoirs.

Rise to Prominence

As mentioned above Ulysses S. Grant gained a major part of his popularity through his influence as a Union General during the American Civil War. At 17 years of age, Grant entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York after he had secured a nomination from U.S. Congressman Thomas L. Hamer. He graduated from West Point in 1843, ranking 21st of 39 in his class. He served in The Mexican - American War under the Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott, where he took part in front line action in the battles of Resaca de la Palma, Palo Alto, Monterrey (he had volunteered to carry a dispatch on horseback through a sniper-lined street) and Veracruz; this despite only being assigned as a quartermaster.

When the war ended in 1848, Grant remained in the army serving as several different titles. In 1854 he was sent to Vancouver in the Washington territory, here he served as a quartermaster of the 4th Infantry Regiment. In 1854, Grant was promoted to captain and was subsequently assigned to the 4th Infantry at Fort Humbolt, California. Due to a minimal financial income and not being able to bring his family over to the West, Grant abruptly resigned from the Army on July 31, 1854.

In August, 1861 Ulysses S. Grant was selected by John C. Fremont, who was the Western Theater commander Major General at the time to command the District of Southeast Missouri. In November 1861, he fought his first battle against Confederate Brigade General Gideon J. Pillow, at Belmont, Missouri. In February, 1862 alongside Andrew H. Foote's Navy gunboats, Grant successfully captured two Confederate Fortresses in Fort Henry - which lies on the Tennessee River and Fort Donelson, which is situated on the Cumberland River. This ultimately proved significant in his rise to prominence as a Union General and as the 18th U.S. President.

Despite being apolitical Grant for Democrat James Buchanan in 1856 to avert secession. It is said that in 1869, he favored Democrat Stephen A. Douglas but didn't put in his vote. In 1864, he gave permission to Elihu B. Washburne to use his private letters as a campaign literature for Abraham Lincoln. In 1968, after years of concealing his political affiliation, Grant admitted to being a Republican.

Attractions in Galena, Illinois

Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site - This was presented to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865, a Civil War General and who went on to become the 18th President of the United States of America (1869-1877). It is an Italianate home.

Address & Contact Information:

525 S. Main St.
Galena, Illinois 61036
(815) 776-9425

Elihu B. Washburne House State Historic Site - The home of a Congressman who was well befriended with two U.S. Presidents, namely Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. It was here in this renovated home, where U.S. Grant received his election night news via telegraph. It is advised that any people planning to visit this site, call in advance.

Address & Contact Information:

908 3rd St.
Galena, Illinois 61036
(815) 777-3310

The Old Market State Historic Site - A building 156 years old it is a community center of Galena's 'Golden Era'. Today, the U.S. Grant exhibition takes place here, which consists of several of Grant's artifacts.

Address & Contact Information:

123 N. Commerce St.
Galena, Illinois 61036
(815) 777-3310