Although Presidents’ Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of George Washington, the federal holiday is now a day to commemorate all U.S. presidents.

And even though February is the shortest month of the year, President Ulysses S. Grant had many defining moments during this month. We’re remembering a few of his milestones in honor of Presidents’ Day.

February 1844: Young Ulysses meets Julia Dent, the younger sister of his friend and former roommate at Jefferson Barracks military post. Julia and Ulysses were engaged by May of that year.

February 6, 1862: Brig. Gen. Grant is victorious at the Battle of Fort Henry in Tennessee, the first important victory for the Union in the Civil War.

February 16, 1862: Grant accepts the surrender of Confederate troops under General Simon Bolivar Buckner at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, gaining the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.

February 2, 1870: President Grant signs the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, giving black males the right to vote.

Learn more about the life and times of President Grant by clicking here.

Did you know? Three of Missouri’s six national parks honor past presidents: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis and Harry S Truman National Historic Site. And all are part of the Missouri National Parks Passport Challenge, which takes you on adventures to the six national parks and rewards you for visiting.

Photo credit: Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.