In this two-part episode of the Northern Kentucky University Alumni Podcast, we explore the extraordinary final year of Ulysses S. Grant’s life—a time defined by financial turmoil, grave illness, and profound resilience. Joined by historian and researcher Ben Kemp, we take an intimate look at Grant’s personal struggles, the friendships that sustained him, and the enduring legacy he created through his writing and leadership. From financial ruin to the largest funeral procession in New York City’s history, these episodes offer a comprehensive view of Grant’s life at its most vulnerable and inspirational moments.

In Part 1, Ben explains the precarious state of the Grant family’s finances following a devastating Ponzi scheme, and how that betrayal tested Grant’s faith in humanity. Listeners will discover the events leading to Grant’s decision to write his memoirs, his partnership with Mark Twain, and his diagnosis of terminal throat cancer, all of which shaped his determination to secure a legacy for himself and his family. This episode highlights the everyday realities of Grant’s final months, including his move to Mount McGregor and the around-the-clock media coverage that made his condition a national concern.

In Part 2, our conversation continues with an in-depth look at Grant’s remarkable final push to complete his memoirs and the debate surrounding their authorship. Ben recounts the nation’s overwhelming response to Grant’s passing—culminating in one of the most significant funeral processions in American history—and explores the preservation of Grant Cottage as a historical site. Beyond the grandiosity, we uncover Grant’s generosity and relatability during his last days, revealing how his character, humility, and determination forged a moving final chapter to his life and a unique place in our collective memory.

Music by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au