Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses Simpson Grant was a Union general who led the Northern forces to victory in the American Civil War.

Born in Ohio, he graduated from West Point and served in the Mexican War.

After resigning from the army, Grant struggled in civilian life before rejoining during the Civil War.

He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming commander-in-chief and accepting Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

Grant served two terms as U.S. President, implementing Reconstruction policies but facing scandals.

Near the end of his life, he wrote his memoirs to provide for his family, completing them shortly before his death from throat cancer in 1885.