From Georgetown to West Point: Ulysses S. Grant’s Formative Years

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

What is Let Us Have Peace: The Ulysses S. Grant Story?

Welcome to our brand-new series exploring the life of Ulysses S. Grant, one of the most significant yet often misunderstood figures in American history. Throughout this series, we will engage with acclaimed historians and scholars who shed light on Grant’s formative years, his Civil War leadership, his transformative presidency, and his personal struggles and triumphs—all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing nation.

Our featured guests bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise:

Ben Kemp, a living historian and researcher, delves into Grant’s final year, revealing the financial challenges that prompted his memoirs and culminating in his poignant last days at Grant Cottage.

Chris Mackowski, a leading Civil War historian, examines Grant’s battlefield adaptability, his collaborations with President Lincoln and Generals Sherman and Sheridan, and the role contingency played in his remarkable rise.

Dr. Charles Calhoun, a distinguished scholar of the Gilded Age, reviews Grant’s presidency, analyzing his Reconstruction efforts, international affairs, and his lasting political impact.

Ned Lodwick, an authority on Grant’s boyhood in Georgetown, Ohio, uncovers the early life and character that guided Grant’s journey from rural Ohio to West Point and beyond.

Nick Sacco, a curator at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, explores Grant’s life in St. Louis between the Mexican and Civil Wars, focusing on his family dynamics, evolving views on slavery, and the challenges that shaped his outlook.

As you listen, you will discover the many dimensions of Grant’s life: his childhood experiences, command style, evolving racial perspectives, and the political and personal realities he navigated. From his days in small-town Ohio to his leadership on the national stage, this series reveals a leader who both reflects and helped to reshape the identity of the United States. Join us for a closer look at Ulysses S. Grant—a man whose legacy continues to influence our understanding of democracy, citizenship, and what it means to lead in times of crisis.