Julia Grant was the wife of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. She served as First Lady from 1869 to 1877.
Early Life
EJulia Boggs Dent was born on January 26, 1826, outside of St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up on a plantation known as White Haven and described her childhood as “one long summer of sunshine, flowers, and smiles…”
Julia was born with strabismus, more commonly referred to as “crossed eyes.” While she was self-conscious and always requested her portraits be taken from the side, she decided not to have surgery to have it corrected.
Well-educated, Julia attended the Misses Mauros’ boarding school in St. Louis for seven years. Julia met Ulysses S. Grant through her brother, Frederick. The two were classmates at West Point Academy.
Marriage to Ulysses S. Grant
Julia and Ulysses were engaged in 1844. However, the Mexican War forced them to delay the wedding for four years. The Grants went on to have four children: Frederick Dent Grant, Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. (called “Buck”), Ellen Grant (called “Nellie”), and Jesse Root Grant.
During the Civil War, Ulysses quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the commander of the Union Army. Throughout the war, Julia accompanied her husband whenever she could and was by his side during campaigns at Memphis, Vicksburg, Nashville, and Virginia.
First Lady of the United States
On March 4, 1869, Ulysses Grant was sworn in as the 18th President of the United States. Julia characterized her eight years in the White House as “the happiest period” of her life.
As First Lady, Julia was active both politically and socially. She attended Senate hearings and met with cabinet members, senators, diplomats, and justices. She also hosted lavish events, including the wedding of their daughter Nellie. She also held regular Tuesday afternoon receptions for the general public.
Later Life
After leaving the White House, the Grants traveled the world. They were treated as celebrities and bestowed with gifts as they toured Europe, Africa, and Asia.
However, a series of failed investments left them facing financial hardship. In an effort to boost the family’s finances, Ulysses Grant published a memoir, which was written by Mark Twain. He died of throat cancer shortly after it was published, but due to its success, Julia was able to live a comfortable life for the remainder of her days. In 1897, she attended the dedication of General Grant’s National Monument in New York City.
Julia Grant suffered from kidney and heart failure; she died on December 14, 1902, at the age of 76. She is buried with her husband in his monumental tomb.
