Birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant

A wonderful way to see the stunning Ohio countryside and to dip your toes into a historical wading pool of 19th century mystique, is to follow State Route 52 to the town of Point Pleasant, and the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant.

Ulysses, the 8th president of the United States, is best known for his position as Commanding General in the American Civil War. Starting his life-long military career at West Point Academy as a teenager, he fought first in the Mexican war, and later led the Union army to victory. As president, he was in charge of overseeing the post-war reconstruction and healing the gaping wounds left by five years of the bloodiest conflict in American history.

At the junction of U.S. 52 and S.R. 232 in Ohio, you can find the restored one-story cottage where Ulysses was born on April 22nd, 1822. Built in 1817, this house was a single room at the time the former president was born. The bed was a case stuffed with straw and supported by a rope frame. Most of the possessions that remain in the house are original belongings of the Grant family. It's a treat to see such historical artifacts as the china cabinet that belonged to Ulysses' mother, family portraits, and the boots his father hand made.

On the National Register of Historic Places, this house is steeped with tranquil domesticity intermingled with political significance.

- Jessica Beder