Ulysses and Julia Grant’s Missouri Love Story

A Presidential Love Story

When a young officer newly graduated from West Point met the oldest daughter of a gruff, Missouri slaveowner, farmer, and land speculator, it was love at first sight. Ulysses Grant and Julia Dent courted at her family farm, White Haven, until he was called away to the Mexican War. Secretly engaged, Ulysses wrote tender letters to Julia between daring exploits in battle. On his return, they were married. Ulysses' military career stagnated and after a miserable period of separation while he was stationed on the West Coast, Ulysses resigned to join Julia at White Haven before his second stint during the Civil War. Authors Vicki and Jim Erwin relate the Grants' early life, their courtship, their life in Missouri, and how that life shaped their future.