Portrait, Ulysses S Grant, Major General

by American Landscapes

Title

Portrait, Ulysses S Grant, Major General

Artist

American Landscapes

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Photographer: Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-cwpb-07312
Source: Civil war photographs, 1861-1865, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

Ulysses S. Grant began his military journey by entering the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1839, graduating in 1843, 21st in a class of 39, and earning a commission as a brevet second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Infantry. He served in frontier posts, participated in the U.S. occupation of Texas, and during the Mexican‑American War under Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. He displayed gallantry at Molino del Rey and Chapultepec, earning brevet promotions to first lieutenant and captain (1846–48). After the war, he held the permanent rank of first lieutenant (September 1847) and was promoted to captain in August 1853. Grant then served at remote postings in the Pacific Northwest before resigning from the Army in July 1854 amid personal and professional struggles. Over the next several years, he attempted various civilian livelihoods—farming, real estate, and clerical work that led him to Galena, IL.

At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Grant emerged from civilian life in Galena and was commissioned colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry in June. Demonstrating strong leadership and resilience, he was elevated to brigadier general of volunteers by August of that year. He soon made his mark in the Western Theater by commanding a force that captured Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in early 1862, the latter surrender punctuated by Grant’s memorable demand for “unconditional and immediate surrender.” These victories propelled him to the rank of major general of volunteers in February 1862.

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August 15th, 2025

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