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

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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Charles Calhoun, a leading scholar on nineteenth-century American political history and the author of The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. Together, we examine the evolving historical interpretations of Grant’s presidency—once derided by critics for perceived scandals and shortcomings, yet increasingly recognized today for its achievements in civil rights and effective governance. By situating Grant’s presidency within the context of Reconstruction, domestic policy, foreign affairs, and momentous social change, Dr. Calhoun offers an in-depth view of how Grant’s leadership qualities and innovative strategies shaped the nation.

Over the course of our discussion, we explore Grant’s early involvement in Reconstruction legislation, the political dynamics behind his nomination in 1868, and his consultative yet decisive management style within the White House. We also delve into his civil rights initiatives, including his support of the 15th Amendment, the Ku Klux Klan Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1875, all of which elevated his legacy in the struggle for equality. Dr. Calhoun sheds light on Grant’s foreign policy successes, his handling of economic challenges such as the Panic of 1873, and his approach to civil service and Native American policy. Finally, we address the scandals that tarnished Grant’s reputation, the contentious election of 1876, and Grant’s post-presidential endeavors—including his world tour and failed bid for a third term. Through this deep dive into one of America’s most misunderstood administrations, we gain a clearer perspective on Grant’s multifaceted presidency and the enduring lessons it offers.

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

In this episode, historian Chris Mackowski offers an in-depth analysis of Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership during the Civil War, examining both the triumphs and the contingencies that shaped his meteoric rise. We explore Grant’s adaptability on the battlefield, his complex relationships with key figures—including President Lincoln and Generals Sherman and Sheridan—and his evolving views on slavery. By delving into Grant’s use of intelligence networks, the steady presence of Julia Grant by his side, and the unfolding rumors of his drinking, we uncover the personal and professional factors that influenced his command style and ultimate success.

Through a close look at Grant’s pragmatic alliance with Lincoln, we see how essential mutual trust and shared vision were to the Union victory. Mackowski challenges traditional portrayals such as the “Grant the Butcher” myth, highlighting Grant’s strategic innovations and willingness to learn from experience. Ultimately, this discussion reveals a leader shaped by perseverance, loyalty, and a growing awareness of the war’s deeper moral imperatives, offering a nuanced understanding of Grant’s role in securing Union triumph.

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

In this episode, we welcome Nick Sacco, the acting historian and curator at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, to discuss the pivotal years of Ulysses S. Grant’s life between the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. We examine Grant’s early military assignments at Jefferson Barracks, his evolving personal and political relationships with the Dent family, and the diverse, rapidly expanding city of St. Louis as a backdrop to his struggles and successes. Nick sheds light on Grant’s complex ties to slavery, including his ownership and eventual emancipation of William Jones, while also addressing the paradox of Grant fighting to end slavery even as his wife continued to benefit from enslaved labor.

Our conversation explores Grant’s courtship of Julia Dent, the professional hurdles he encountered in St. Louis, and the lasting impact the city had on his life, from his first meeting with Julia to his return as president decades later. We delve into how Julia’s privileged upbringing shaped her role as First Lady, and how Grant’s close relationship with his brother-in-law, Fred Dent, extended into the White House years. By examining this lesser-known chapter of Grant’s life, we gain insight into the formative influences that would shape his perspectives on family, politics, and the nation’s most pressing social issues.

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

In this episode, host Chris Burns is joined by veterinarian and local historian Ned Lodwick for an in-depth examination of Ulysses S. Grant’s boyhood in Georgetown, Ohio. Beginning with Grant’s birth in Point Pleasant and tracing his formative years, listeners will gain insights into the personal traits that shaped this future general and president. Lodwick recounts Grant’s upbringing in a family that prized both hard work and learning, the early ventures that revealed his determination, and the remarkable affinity for horses that would become one of his lifelong hallmarks. The discussion also explores Grant’s time in local schools, his skill in math and drawing, and the surprising route he took to secure an appointment at West Point—an opportunity that propelled him onto the national stage.

By delving into vivid anecdotes—such as Grant hauling lumber as a child and honing his horsemanship skills to set a West Point record—this conversation paints a portrait of a resourceful, humble, and persistent young man. Lodwick’s research illuminates how Grant’s Georgetown experiences, combined with supportive parents and a grounding in both practical know-how and book-learning, laid the foundation for his eventual leadership during the Civil War. The episode concludes by highlighting the lasting significance of Grant’s early life, demonstrating how his rural roots and self-effacing character would influence his remarkable career and role in American history.

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