Ulysses S. Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He attended West Point Academy and was not fond of it, due to his slacker behavior and average grades. His actual name was Hiram Ulysses Grant, but his nickname of Ulysses S. came from his military skill (U.S. Grant). He served in the Mexican-American War as a quartermaster. Grant, during this war, served under General Zachary Taylor as well as General Winfield Scott. He studied their military strategies and was often complimented on his bravery under duress during the time. Because of his experience at West Point, Grant did not put his heart into his work. He started drinking and resigned from the Army. When the Civil War started, and the Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter, it irritated Grant, for he had a strong sense of patriotism. He, therefore, volunteered his military expertise and skill and was drafted to fight for the Union. At first, Grant did not excel as general and was criticized and even demoted. But it was all worth it at the end when Grant convinced Robert E Lee to surrender to the Union. Grant later became president, and died on July 23, 1885.