The American Civil War called for heroic leaders. The South had Robert E. Lee at theat the head of its armies right from the start, but President Lincoln did not find a general who could succeed for the North until he found Ulysses S. Grant, a fellow Illinoisian. The President gave six generals (Irvin McDowell, George McClellan, John Pope, Ambrose Burnside, George Meade, and Joseph Hooker a "fighting chance" and all disappointed him before he found Grant. Although these generals possessed leadership skills and military knowhow, they had little or no skill at winning battles.

Grant was a quiet, unassuming 39 year old West Point graduate who had the persistence and strength of character to get the job done. Grant had the ability to inspire and lead men, excite the enthusiasm of the northern citizens, win battles, and ultimately save the Union.

His first major victory at Ft. Donelson in February of 1862 electrified the country. His magnanimous acceptance of General Lee's surrender three years and two months later at Appomattox elevated him to near sainthood in the minds of Notherners.

What do you think of when you hear the name Ulysses S. Grant? Do you picture a cigar-smoking, unsoldierly, quiet man who somehow managed, in spite of himself, to save the Union? This description does not give the great general enough credit. Grant was a smart man who employed critical thinking in the heat of battle.

He was not afraid to go on the offensive. He once said, "The art of war is simple enough.

Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on."

Last revised 08/05/11