This resolution honors the life and birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, America's 18th President and a native son of Ohio's Second Congressional District, while also recognizing local preservation efforts.
David Taylor
Representative
OH-2
This resolution officially honors the life and 203rd birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, America's 18th President and a native son of Ohio. It recognizes his pivotal role in winning the Civil War and his subsequent efforts to advance civil rights as President. Furthermore, the resolution acknowledges the preservation work being done by The Land of US Grant, Inc. in Georgetown, Ohio.
Congress Celebrates Ulysses S. Grant’s 203rd Birthday and Honors Local Ohio Preservation Group
This resolution is essentially Congress taking a moment to formally celebrate the life and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant, our 18th President and a pivotal Civil War figure. It’s a ceremonial measure that officially recognizes his 203rd birthday and marks the 160th anniversary of the conclusion of the American Civil War.
The Official History Lesson
Unlike most bills that change laws or allocate cash, this one is a historical affirmation. It lays out Grant’s impressive resume: born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, educated at West Point, service in the Mexican-American War, and, of course, leading the Union armies to victory at places like Vicksburg and Appomattox. It specifically calls out that he was the first to be appointed Lieutenant General when Congress brought the rank back in 1864 (Section 3). For anyone who appreciates American history, this resolution serves as a formal nod to his essential role in keeping the country together.
Recognizing the Reconstruction Legacy
The resolution doesn't stop at the battlefield; it highlights Grant’s two terms as President, beginning in 1869. Crucially, it points to his focus on civil rights and his efforts to secure the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. This part is a reminder that Grant’s legacy extends far beyond the war, touching on the foundational work of Reconstruction that still shapes our civil rights framework today (Section 3).
A Shout-Out to Local Preservation
In a move that brings the history right down to the local level, the resolution gives a formal shout-out to The Land of US Grant, Inc., an organization in Georgetown, Ohio. This group works to preserve historical sites related to Grant’s early life, like his childhood home and schoolhouse. While this resolution doesn't give them any money, the official recognition from the House of Representatives is a significant acknowledgment of their efforts to keep this history alive for future generations. For folks in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, this is a moment of pride, recognizing the local roots of a national figure (Section 4).