Ulysses S. Grant was the highest decorated and most successful winning Union general during the American Civil War. He began his military career as a cadet having enrolled in the West Point military academy at the age of 17 in 1839. After graduating, Grant went on to serve with distinction in the Mexican American War. After the war, Grant served at various posts throughout the country and retired from military service in 1854. In the beginning of the Civil War, Grant was training Union military recruits but soon was promoted to Colonel in June 1861. Major-General John C. Frémont, who viewed in Grant an "iron will" to win, appointed Grant to commander of the District of Cairo. Grant became famous around the nation after capturing Fort Donelson in February 1862 and promoted to Major-General by President Lincoln. After a series of decisive yet costly battles and victories at Shilo, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga, Grant was promoted to Lieutenant General by President Lincoln in 1864 and given charge of all the Union Armies. He went on to defeat Robert E. Lee after another series of costly battles in the Overland Campaign, Petersburg, and Appomatox. This photograph shows Grant in his headquarters in Cold Harbor, VA. Photograph is matted to include a Civil War Union bullet, recovered near a Civil War battlefield. Certificate of Authenticity included. PLANE JUNKIE - Ulysses S. Grant with Civil War bullet