Like cream that has risen to the top, General Ulysses S. Grant found himself in command of all Union troops during the last year of the Civil War. His ascension – often referred to as the “Rise of Grant” – is seen as a pivotal development that led to Union victory. Hindsight lets us treat Grant’s rise as a discreet event, but in fact it was anything but smooth. We’ll explore the moments of contingency that made up Grant’s ascension in an effort to better appreciate what a close thing his upward arc was – and what a remarkable achievement it turned out to be.

Our presenter will be Dr. Chris Mackowski – Managing Editor of the Emerging Civil War book series and blog, Professor of communication and Jandoli School Assistant Dean at St. Bonaventure University. Mackowski is the author of nine books and co-editor of Grant at 200: Reconsidering the Life and Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant (2022).

His program is this year’s Grant Remembrance Day event and Part 1 of the Friends’ second annual Grant Cottage Literary Landmark Author Series.

A book signing will be held at the conclusion of the program.