The Life of Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant was a heroic figure for many reasons. He was a great leader of the Union forces during the Civil War. He won many battles and held the Union together. His presidential years also had positive outcomes of the future of the United States. Grant's life was a long and interesting one. He was born at Point Pleasant, OH on April 27, 1822 (World Book CD-ROM, 1995). He was the son of Hannah Simpson and Jesse Grant (World Book CD-ROM, 1995). After he got out of school he went to West Point Military Academy and graduated 21st in his class of 39 in 1843 (Encarta, 1995). After graduating West Point he then was promoted to the Army. Grant was assigne