Historical Events tagged with "grant"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Formation of the United States Department of Justice

July 1st, 1870 154 years ago

The United States Department of Justice was established to handle legal affairs and enforce laws at the federal level. Signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, it aimed to ensure fair and impartial justice across the nation. The department's creation was a response to growing concerns about law enforcement and the need for a unified legal authority within the federal government. The headquarters was later established in Washington D.C., symbolizing its pivotal role in American governance.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mississippi readmitted to the Union

February 23rd, 1870 155 years ago

Mississippi was officially readmitted to the Union, marking the end of military control as part of the Reconstruction Era. This significant moment came as a result of the congressional conditions imposed to ensure civil rights protections after the Civil War. The readmission required Mississippi to draft a new state constitution that granted voting rights to all men, regardless of race, and to validate the 14th Amendment. The U.S. Congress ultimately approved Mississippi's re-entry, demonstrating a shift in political control and paving the way for more extensive Civil Rights advancements in the state.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

Market Crash Triggered by Gold Manipulation

September 24th, 1869 155 years ago

The financial turmoil caused by the actions of Ulysses Grant, Jay Gould, and James Fisk saw gold prices collapse dramatically due to a failed attempt to corner the gold market. On this fateful day, the Treasury's decision to sell significant quantities of gold disrupted the market equilibrium, leading to panic among investors and a steep decline in gold prices. This manipulation was the culmination of a plot by Gould and Fisk, ultimately resulting in a significant financial crisis.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Lee Surrenders to Grant at Appomattox

April 9th, 1865 159 years ago

General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, marking a significant turning point in the American Civil War. This moment followed a series of Confederate defeats and was spurred by Lee's realization that escape and further resistance were no longer viable. The surrender included approximately 26,765 troops and established terms favorable to the Confederates, allowing them to return home with their horses and personal effects.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Forces Capture Richmond, Virginia

April 3rd, 1865 159 years ago

Union forces captured Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States, after a series of battles that had weakened Confederate defenses. Led by General Ulysses S. Grant, the Union Army advanced into the city, marking a significant advancement towards the conclusion of the Civil War. Richmond was vital as it had served as both a political and military center for the Confederacy. The fall of the city on April 3rd resulted from relentless pressure from Union forces and further prompted a collapse of Confederate morale.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Second Battle of Petersburg Commences

June 15th, 1864 160 years ago

The Second Battle of Petersburg began as Union forces, under General Ulysses S. Grant, attempted to capture the strategic rail hub of Petersburg, Virginia. With the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee defending the city, intense fighting erupted on June 15, 1864. This battle marked a significant phase in the Petersburg Campaign, which aimed to cut off supply lines to the Confederacy and secure a pathway to Richmond. The engagement featured extensive trench warfare, a precursor to modern warfare tactics that would be more prominent in future battles.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Grant's Union Assault at Cold Harbor

June 3rd, 1864 160 years ago

Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant launched a fierce assault against Confederate troops commanded by Robert E. Lee at Cold Harbor, Virginia. The attack, characterized by its frontal assault strategy, resulted in severe Union casualties. Despite the pressing need for a breakthrough in the Overland Campaign, the Union forces faced strong defensive positions, leading to a quick and devastating loss. This encounter underscored the challenges of the ongoing Civil War and marked a significant moment in the prolonged conflict.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

The Clash at Spotsylvania Court House Concludes

May 21st, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, fought in Virginia, marked one of the significant engagements during the American Civil War. Lasting from May 8 to May 21, 1864, it was part of Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, aiming to engage the Confederate Army led by Robert E. Lee directly. The battle was characterized by brutal trench warfare and heavy casualties on both sides, totaling over 30,000. The fighting over the Mule Shoe Salient was particularly intense, with vicious combat taking place in a small area, leading to a stalemate. Ultimately, Grant’s forces pushed forward, although not without tremendous loss, showcasing the war's grueling nature and the persistence of both armies.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Grant's Army Shifts South from Wilderness

May 7th, 1864 160 years ago

The Army of the Potomac, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, disengaged from intense fighting at the Battle of the Wilderness. Following several days of brutal combat against Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee, Grant decided to reposition his troops southward towards Spotsylvania Court House. This strategic move was aimed at outflanking Lee and preventing further losses, demonstrating Grant's aggressive approach and determination to keep the initiative against the Confederate Army.

Continue Reading