Julia Dent Grant
Born: January 26, 1826 at St. Louis, Missouri
Died: December 14, 1902 (aged 76) at Washington, D.C.
Spouse: Ulysses Grant (m. 1848 – 1885)
Children: Frederick Dent Grant, Ulysses S. Grant Jr., Nellie Grant, Jesse Root Grant
Offices held:
First Lady of the United States (1869 – 1877)
Facts about Julia Dent Grant
She was the 1st First Lady to write her memoirs, although they remained unpublished until nearly 75 years after her death. Julia had been raised in a wealthy privileged family, had a lively outgoing personality and was brimming with self-confidence. Despite her many admirable qualities unflattering descriptions of her appearance were made when she became First Lady.
When her husband was nominated for President Julia was absolutely thrilled. Her husband was duly elected President and Julia Grant assumed the role of First Lady on March 4, 1869. Julia Grant was a breath of fresh air to the White House. She was known for bringing happiness and joy back to the White House after the despair and gloom of the Civil War.
Her lifestyle, clothes and appearance were constantly reported in the media. She organized lavish parties and entertainments and thrived on public attention.
Julia Dent Grant Childhood
Julia Boggs Dent was born at White Haven plantation west of St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Frederick and Ellen Wrenshaw Dent, a slave-holding planter and merchant. Julia was one of eight children and “”according to a biography of Grant posted to the White House Website Grant once wrote that her childhood consisted of “”one long summer of sunshine, flowers, and smiles.”” All her life, she suffered from a medical condition called strabismus (cross-eyed).
Julia attended the Misses Mauros’ boarding school in St. Louis for seven years among the daughters of other affluent parents. She excelled in art and voice. A social favorite in that circle, she met Ulysses at her home, where her family welcomed him as a West Point classmate of her brother Frederick. She soon felt lonely without him, dreamed of him, and agreed to wear his West Point ring.
Where is Julia Dent Grant buried?
On December 21, 1902, Julia Grant was buried beside her husband at Grants Tomb on Riverside Drive in New York. While the ceremony was not opened the general public, it did mark the first burial rites of a First Lady treated as a quasi-official federal event, with local Army and Navy officers in attendance, along with her four children.
How did Julia Dent Grant die?
Julia Grant died at her Washington, D.C. home on 14 December 1902 in the presence of her daughter. She was 74 years old.