Grant resided in the Driftless Area of northwest Illinois from spring 1860, following his first stint in the U.S. Army, until the outbreak of the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant is often dismissed as a simple butcher of his troops. In fact, Grant was an inspired military leader with a genius for issuing lucid orders, maneuvering his troops adroitly, and ...

The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. The American military is ...