Ulysses S. Grant is a colorful figure in United States history and is still honored today with his portrait gracing the $50 bill.
The 200th anniversary of Grant’s birth will be marked this month and Rodman Public Library patrons will have the opportunity to learn all about the life of the man best known as the general who led the Union to victory during the Civil War who later became president of the United States.
Dave Puterbaugh, a former member of the Alliance Historical Society board of trustees who has had an interest in Grant for many years, will discuss Grant’s life at 7:00 p.m. on April 11.
Puterbaugh has collected more than 50 books about the 18th president, including 20 that were published prior to 1900.
Born on April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio, which is located about 25 miles southeast of Cincinnati in Clermont County, Grant is one of eight Ohio sons who became president. For many years, his presidency, which spanned from 1869 to 1877, was ranked as one of the worst in American history. However, as modern scholars have begun to reexamine and reassess his presidential tenure, recent rankings have reflected a significant rise.
During his PowerPoint presentation, Puterbaugh will share many pictures of Grant throughout his life and will discuss the key phases of Grant’s life, including his youth, his time at West Point, the Civil War, his presidency, a tour around the world after leaving office that made him the first president to do so, and his death on July 23, 1885.
The event will be livestreamed on Rodman Library's Facebook page.
Patrons can also register, or get more information, by calling 330-821-2556, ext. 107.