This cache is located along the Galena River Trail. Please read the cache listing for GC12W8G Galena River Trail for information on the trail.
President and General Ulysses S. Grant was born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio. His birth name was Hiram Ulysses Grant but he was known as Ulysses. An error in his appointment for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point gave him the name by which he is now known. Grant attended West Point from 1839-1843. He served in the Mexican-American War from 1846-1848 as regimental quartermaster and commissary attaining the rank of captain. It was during this time he learned a great deal about commanding an army from close observation of colonels and generals, particularly Zachary Taylor. He married Julia Boggs Dent August 22, 1848 in Julia’s hometown of St. Louis. They had four children. She traveled with Grant to military posts in Michigan and New York, however, she returned home to St. Louis when Grant was sent to the Pacific Coast in 1852. He was promoted to full captain in 1854, but resigned from the army hastily on July 31, 1854 to return to his family in St. Louis. He became a farmer, but his health deteriorated and he was no longer physically able to farm. He then got involved in real estate, but was not able to sustain his family. In the spring of 1860 Grant came to Galena with his wife and four children to work at his father’s leather goods store with two of his brothers. Grant rented a fine brick house at 121 S. High Street for his family.
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant was instrumental - alongside Chetlain - in forming the Jo Daviess Guards. He declined captaincy, instead recommending Chetlain. Grant, the only Galenian with appropriate military training, drilled the volunteers and accompanied them to Springfield. Governor Yates appointed him Colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteers on June 15, 1861. President Lincoln appointed him Brigadier General of the federal Volunteers on July 31, 1861. Grant led many battles including those at Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Chattanooga. After the surrender of Fort Donelson Grant was promoted to Major General on Feb. 16, 1862. Grant split the south with the capture of Vicksburg on July 4, 1963. After Grant’s victory at the Battle of Chattanooga, Lincoln promoted him to Lieutenant General, which was authorized by congress on March 2, 1864. Grant received the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia on April 9, 1865.
In August of 1865 Grant returned briefly to Galena, where he was presented a fine brick house on Bouthillier Street as a token of appreciation from the community. On July 25, 1866, Congress authorized the creation of the new rank of General of the Army of the United States; Grant was appointed this position by President Andrew Johnson on the same day.
Running as a Republican and riding his popularity, Grant was elected 18th President of the United States in 1868 and was re-elected in 1872. During his presidency, the Grant family visited Galena periodically, their last visit in 1883. After his second term, Grant and his wife spent two years – 1877 to 1879 - traveling the world. The trip, although a huge success, left the Grants with very little money. A bad investment continued his financial decline. In late 1884 Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer and began to write his memoirs, encouraged by his friend Mark Twain. On June 16, 1885 Grant moved his family to Mt. McGregor, New York, in a futile effort to improve his health. Just four days before his death, Grant finished his memoirs, providing financial stability for his family. Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant continues to earn high praise, as does his brilliant military strategy. Grant died on July 23, 1885 at the age of 63. He is interred in the General Grant National Monument in New York City.