Ulysses S Grant was a West Point graduate and served in the Mexican American War, returning to Civilian life in 1854. He joined the Union Army shortly after the start of the Civil War and became one of the Union’s most important generals. After early successes in the Western Theater—capturing Forts Henry and Donelson and winning the brutal Battle of Shiloh—he gained a reputation for determination and aggressive strategy. His 1863 Vicksburg campaign split the Confederacy along the Mississippi River, a major turning point in the war. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln promoted him to general-in-chief of all Union armies, where he coordinated a relentless strategy against Confederate forces. Grant’s Overland Campaign and siege of Petersburg pressured Robert E. Lee’s army until its surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

U.S. Grant served as 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877.