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10. President Grant was an accomplished sketch artist and painter
Ulysses S. Grant is remembered as one of America’s foremost soldiers, the Commander of the Army of the Potomac, which ironically is a position he never held. George Meade held that post under Grant, who was the commander of all Union Armies beginning in 1864. After his presidency ended Grant wrote his memoirs while dying of throat cancer, and when they were published, they revealed that Grant was also a writer of considerable skill. His memoirs remain a popular reference among Civil War buffs and historians 150 years later. Grant was also a talented sketch artist and painter, both activities he enjoyed for leisure.
Grant had been taught drafting and drawing at West Point, both skills required of an officer in military service. He was meticulous in details in his drawings and in paintings, in which he always used the medium of watercolors. Grant enjoyed painting while at West Point, during his military career, his presidency, and in retirement, including while traveling in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. A painting by Grant of an Indian trader is on display at the United States Military Academy Museum, West Point. His work can also be found in museums and private collections across the country, many of them reproductions.