On this day in 1864
Lincoln promotes Grant as head of Union armies

Grant’s Rise to Commanding General
His promotion marked a turning point, ushering in an era of coordinated, aggressive strategy aligned with President Lincoln’s determination to end the conflict.
Grant’s Relationship with President Lincoln
Grant and President Abraham Lincoln shared a relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. Lincoln valued Grant’s determination and willingness to maintain pressure on Confederate forces, especially compared to previous commanders.
Their effective partnership, detailed in historical correspondence, allowed them to develop cohesive strategies that kept the Union on the offensive until victory was secured.
The Significance of Grant’s Victories for the Union
Grant’s military successes were instrumental in changing the course of the Civil War. The capture of Vicksburg divided the Confederacy and ensured Union control over key territories. His campaigns led directly to the Confederacy’s collapse and restored the nation’s unity.
His legacy endures through ongoing battlefield preservation, educational programs, and public history initiatives—many supported by government grants and the continuing interest of historians.

When Black Lives Matter protesters toppled a statue of former US President Ulysses S Grant in 2020, it was big news! They targeted the statue because although Grant was a Civil War hero who helped bring about an end to slavery, he was a controversial figure too because his wife’s father once owned 30 colored slaves.
