Ulysses S. Grant Collection
Title
Ulysses S. Grant Collection
Subject
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885
Armed Forces--Officers
United States. Army
Presidents
American Civil War (1861-1865)
Description
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, in 1822. He attended West Point and served in the Mexican-American War under General Zachary Taylor. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Illinois Governor Richard Yates appointed Grant to command a volunteer regiment. Following his success with the regiment, Grant rose to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. After his victory at Fort Donelson in 1862, President Lincoln named Grant to major general of volunteers. Lincoln appointed Grant as General in Chief of the United States Army in 1864, leading the United States to a successful end of the Civil War.
Following the Civil War, Grant led the military's efforts during Reconstruction. Grant was elected President of the United States in 1868 and won re-election four years later. While in office Grant worked to unite the North and South while facing the rise of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and increasing attacks on African Americans. Grant's administration was marred by financial scandals.
After leaving office, Grant was a partner in an unsuccessful investment firm which failed after one partner stole the firm's investors money. Grant then negotiated a book deal to write his memoirs. Shortly after beginning to write, he was diganosed with cancer of the throat. Grant accelerated his writing process, completing his memoirs two months before dying.
Photographs in this collection include portraits of Grant, images of several buildings he lived in during his lifetime, and images of his funeral in New York City.
Following the Civil War, Grant led the military's efforts during Reconstruction. Grant was elected President of the United States in 1868 and won re-election four years later. While in office Grant worked to unite the North and South while facing the rise of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and increasing attacks on African Americans. Grant's administration was marred by financial scandals.
After leaving office, Grant was a partner in an unsuccessful investment firm which failed after one partner stole the firm's investors money. Grant then negotiated a book deal to write his memoirs. Shortly after beginning to write, he was diganosed with cancer of the throat. Grant accelerated his writing process, completing his memoirs two months before dying.
Photographs in this collection include portraits of Grant, images of several buildings he lived in during his lifetime, and images of his funeral in New York City.
Collection Items
Ulysses S. Grant at Cold Harbor
General Ulysses S. Grant poses in his military uniform standing alone next to a tree at Cold Harbor.
Ulysses S. Grant with Horse
Ulysses S. Grant poses for a photograph in his military uniform standing next to a horse.
Joseph B. Purdy Advertisement
A double-sided advertisement for Joseph B. Purdy uses Ulysses S. Grant's likeness. The writing at the bottom of the advertisement reads, "'I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.' Joseph B. Purdy, Fire-Works, Flags, Lanterns,…
Ulysses S. Grant, Gen. USA
A sketch of General Ulysses S. Grant shows him in uniform sitting on a tree stump.
Grant in Peace
A painted portrait shows Ulysses S. Grant sitting in front of a pastoral scene in his military uniform holding a young girl while a dog looks on.
Ulysses S. Grant Funeral
Large crowds line the streets as the Ulysses S. Grant funeral procession marches down an unidentifed New York street.
Ulysses S. Grant Funeral Procession
A street view shows the Ulysses S. Grant funeral procession marching down Broadway opposite the Metropolitan Hotel in New York.
Ulysses S. Grant and Family
Ulysses S. Grant (seated, middle) poses for a photo with his family at Mt. McGregor in Saratoga County, New York. This photo was taken just over one month before Grant's death.
Log Cabin
An exterior view shows Ulysses S. Grant's log cabin located at Old Orchard Park near St. Louis. On verso: "General Grant's Famous Log Cabin. Built in 1854 of logs hewn-by General Ulysses S. Grant, the corner prominent in this picture having been…
Cottage
Soldiers stand outside the cottage that Joseph William Drexel, a personal friend of Grant, loaned the ex-president. On verso: "Drexel Cottage, Mt. McGregor N.Y. Where General Grant died on July 23rd 1885. He used to sit on the porch while writing his…
Ulysses S. Grant's Horse
A stereoscopic image shows Ulysses S. Grant's horse, "Cincinnati," with its trainer. On verso: "This is one of General Grant's favorite horses; the photograph was taken at City Point, Va., in March, 1865."
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and their guests gather at the site of the Ulysses S. Grant memorial near Riddle Hill. On verso: "Unveiling tablet Grant memorial. July 1, 1927 near Riddle Hill, by Springfield Chapter DAR.…
Ulysses S. Grant Camp
A landscape view shows the location where Ulysses S. Grant wrote his first military orders. On verso: "Grant's first camp when commanding the Twenty-first Illinois Inft, at New Salem in May 1861. The only regiment that left Springfield on foot, being…
Grand Review of the Armies
Several soldiers stand in front of the president's viewing platform. Following the conclusion of the American Civil War, military processions marched in a celebration that took place in Washington, D.C. On verso: "Very fine and excessively scarce.…
Chattanooga Headquarters
Two soldiers stand guard outside Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Collection Tree
- Illinois Photographic Collection
- Ulysses S. Grant Collection