Facts about Julia Grant: Fact Sheet of Julia Grant Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Julia Grant, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Julia Grant: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Julia Grant assumed the position of First Lady to President Ulysses Grant. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included Reconstruction era and the development of the Transcontinental Railroad that connected the east and west coasts of the US, the financial Panic of 1873 and Custer's defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. His presidency was marred by corruption scandals that badly damaged the President's reputation. Personality and Character: Julia Grant Quotes Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Julia Grant quotes: "I always knew my husband would rise in the world. I believed he would someday inhabit the highest office in the land... " "My life in the White House was like a bright and beautiful dream." Facts about Julia Grant: First Events Facts and Info: She was the 1st First Lady to write her memoirs, although they remained unpublished until nearly 75 years after her death. Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Julia Grant Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The accomplishments of Julia Grant were demonstrated in her constant support of her husband and her social skills in organising successful parties and events at the White House. Facts about the appearance of Julia Grant: Crossed Eyes Facts and Info: Julia had been raised in a wealthy privileged family, had a lively outgoing personality and was brimming with self-confidence. Despite her many admirable qualities unflattering descriptions of her appearance were made when she became First Lady. A newspaper reporter said the following, "She ain't near as handsome as you think and keeps the lights low so no one can see her well". Julia had slightly crossed eyes. Somewhat embarrassed by her crossed eyes Julia Grant had considered corrective surgery. But Ulysses Grant stopped her, saying he preferred her just the way she was. His kind words prevented her from having surgery to correct her crossed eyes but she always insisted on being photographed from the side. Facts about Julia Grant: The Early Life of Julia Grant Facts and Info: Julia Boggs Dent was born in St. Louis on January 26, 1826. She came from a wealthy family and was raised on a plantation and brought up with the cream of society. Julia was well educated at the Misses Mauros' boarding school and grew into a bright, vivacious woman. She met her husband, Ulysses Grant, in 1844 when he was an army lieutenant. Her family were totally against the relationship as they believed that the relatively poor Ulysses was not good enough for Julia. Despite her family's strong objections, Julia married Ulysses Grant on August 22, 1848 - her family refused to attend the wedding. The strong minded and confidant Julia Grant was a constant source of encouragement to her husband. Ulysses and Julia Grant had 4 children whose names were Frederick Dent, Ulysses Simpson, Ellen Wrenshall and Jesse Root. The Civil War provided Ulysses Grant the opportunity to prove his worth and he rose in the ranks from army lieutenant to lieutenant general of the army. Her husband became famous and was heralded as a hero. He rose in prominence achieving celebrity status that was shared by Julia Grant. Julia delighted in attention and the limelight and she achieved a leading role in Washington society. Facts about Julia Grant: The Life of Julia Grant as First Lady When her husband was nominated for President Julia was absolutely thrilled. Her husband was duly elected President and Julia Grant assumed the role of First Lady on March 4, 1869. Julia Grant was a breath of fresh air to the White House. She was known for bringing happiness and joy back to the White House after the despair and gloom of the Civil War. The country entered a prosperous period known as the 'Gilded Age' in which luxuries and displays of wealth were readily accepted after the austerity of the war years. Julia Grant became a celebrity in her own right. Her lifestyle, clothes and appearance were constantly reported in the media. She organized lavish parties and entertainments and thrived on public attention. Her husband's presidency, however, was blemished by corruption scandals which badly damaged the President's reputation. His presidency ended on March 4, 1877 and the couple moved to New York. Ulysses and Julia Grant made a much publicized trip around the world. Everywhere they went Ulysses was greeted as a hero and the couple were showered with gifts. When they returned to the United States, Ulysses Grant wrote the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, before he died on July 23, 1885. Julia Grant wrote her own autobiography determined to set the record straight about the events of the presidency. Her book was eventually published in 1975. She was the first wife of a presidentto write an autobiography for publication. Julia Grant died in December 1902 and was buried beside her husband at Grant's Tomb, New York City. |