Future President Commanding General Ulysses S. Grant at the Battle of Cold Harbor

Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) was the 18th president of the United States (1869–1877) and a prominent Union general during the American Civil War. Born in Ohio, he graduated from West Point in 1843 and served in the Mexican-American War. During the Civil War, he gained fame for his decisive victories, especially at Vicksburg and Chattanooga, leading to his appointment as the Union Army's general-in-chief in 1864. His military leadership helped secure Union victory in 1865.

As president, Grant worked to rebuild the nation during Reconstruction, supporting civil rights for freed slaves and combating the Ku Klux Klan. However, his administration was marred by corruption scandals. After his presidency, he traveled the world and later wrote his memoirs, which became a literary and financial success. He died in 1885 from throat cancer.