In this episode, host Chris Burns is joined by veterinarian and local historian Ned Lodwick for an in-depth examination of Ulysses S. Grant’s boyhood in Georgetown, Ohio. Beginning with Grant’s birth in Point Pleasant and tracing his formative years, listeners will gain insights into the personal traits that shaped this future general and president. Lodwick recounts Grant’s upbringing in a family that prized both hard work and learning, the early ventures that revealed his determination, and the remarkable affinity for horses that would become one of his lifelong hallmarks. The discussion also explores Grant’s time in local schools, his skill in math and drawing, and the surprising route he took to secure an appointment at West Point—an opportunity that propelled him onto the national stage.

By delving into vivid anecdotes—such as Grant hauling lumber as a child and honing his horsemanship skills to set a West Point record—this conversation paints a portrait of a resourceful, humble, and persistent young man. Lodwick’s research illuminates how Grant’s Georgetown experiences, combined with supportive parents and a grounding in both practical know-how and book-learning, laid the foundation for his eventual leadership during the Civil War. The episode concludes by highlighting the lasting significance of Grant’s early life, demonstrating how his rural roots and self-effacing character would influence his remarkable career and role in American history.

Music by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au