19 Facts About Julia Grant

Julia Boggs Grant was the first lady of the United States and wife of President Ulysses S Grant.

Julia Grant's parents were Frederick Dent, a planter and merchant, and Ellen Wrenshall Dent.

Julia Grant's family was of English descent, as her mother was born in England.

From age 10 to age 17, Julia Grant attended the Mauro Academy for Young Ladies in St Louis with the daughters of other affluent parents.

Julia Grant was a boarding student during the week and returned home to White Haven on weekends.

Julia Grant was born with strabismus, which prevents both eyes from lining up in the same direction.

Distraught at their separation, Julia Grant had an intense dream, which she detailed to several people, that Ulysses would somehow return within days, wearing civilian clothes and state his intention of staying for a week.

Julia Grant then was posted to several far-away locations, including Panama and Vancouver Barracks, where she did not accompany him, although he continued to write her.

Julia Grant suffered from loneliness, boredom, and a possible drinking problem, and resigned from the Army in 1854.

Julia Grant often referred to her time in the White House as the "happiest period" of her life.

Julia Grant hosted parties frequently, including gathering Union Army Officers and orchestrating elaborate and lavish dinners for politicians and guests.

Julia Grant was the originator of the State Dinner at the White House, which honored King Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.

Julia Grant sought to bring prestige to the position of First Lady and improve the stature of the wives of other government officials, including the cabinet, the Congress, and the Supreme Court.

Julia Grant was close friends with Julia Fish, wife of secretary of state Hamilton Fish.

Julia Grant did not publicly support women's suffrage, but notably refused to sign an anti-suffrage petition.

Julia Grant had been dead almost 75 years before The Personal Memoirs of Julia Dent Grant was finally published in 1975.

Julia Grant died in Washington, DC on December 14,1902, at the age of 76.

Julia Grant was laid to rest in a sarcophagus beside her husband.

Julia Grant became friends with First Ladies Frances Cleveland, Caroline Harrison, and Edith Roosevelt.