According to his son Fred, this man first tried smoking just because it was against the rules at West Point

The Final Jeopardy clue for New Year’s Day 2025 invited viewers to explore a lesser-known aspect of one of America’s most famous military leaders and presidents. Under the category U.S. Presidents, the clue read:

“According to his son Fred, this man first tried smoking just because it was against the rules at West Point.”

Who is Ulysses S. Grant?

The correct response was Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. This anecdote, shared by Grant’s son, Frederick Dent Grant, provides a glimpse into the personality of the man who would become a key figure in American history, showing how even in his youth, Grant displayed a relatable sense of curiosity and defiance.

Ulysses S. Grant’s Early Experimentation with Smoking

Frederick Dent Grant, in an interview for McClure’s Magazine in 1894, recalled that his father first attempted smoking during his time as a cadet at West Point. According to Frederick, Grant’s initial foray into tobacco use was driven less by a desire for the habit and more by a sense of youthful rebellion. At the time, smoking was against academy regulations, and trying it was a way for young Grant to test boundaries.

Grant, however, did not immediately take to smoking. It was only during his service in the Mexican-American War that he began smoking lightly, often using cigars or cigarettes. Still, the habit was not firmly ingrained in him until much later, during the Civil War. This early anecdote about his brief rule-breaking contrasts with the disciplined and methodical image he later cultivated as a general and president.

Smoking and the Civil War Years

Grant’s association with cigars became legendary during the Civil War. Frederick Dent Grant detailed how his father began smoking cigars regularly after the Battle of Fort Donelson. During this pivotal engagement, Grant was seen holding a cigar given to him by Admiral Foote, though he only carried it rather than smoked it during the battle. However, reports that he smoked continuously during the engagement led to an influx of cigars sent to him by admirers across the Union, reportedly numbering over 11,000.

This fame for smoking was somewhat exaggerated. As Frederick noted, Grant often lit a cigar, let it go out, and resumed smoking it later, rarely consuming them as heavily as popular imagination suggested. Nevertheless, cigars became an enduring symbol of Grant’s persona, even as they contributed to his eventual death from throat cancer in 1885.

The Influence of Family and Duty

Frederick’s insights also highlight the broader principles that shaped Grant’s life. He described his father as a man deeply committed to the idea of doing his best in all circumstances, whether as a farmer, soldier, or president. This sense of duty, instilled by Grant’s mother and reinforced by family traditions, became a defining trait throughout his career.

Grant’s time at West Point, marked by moments of experimentation such as his smoking, was also a period of transformation. The academy’s emphasis on discipline and accountability helped forge the qualities that would later define his leadership during the Civil War and his presidency.

Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant

The anecdote of Grant trying smoking at West Point offers a fascinating glimpse into his humanity, showing how even great leaders experience moments of rebellion and growth. While his legacy as a Civil War hero and president remains monumental, stories like this provide a fuller picture of the man behind the public achievements.

Grant’s life serves as a testament to resilience and commitment, whether in moments of youthful curiosity or in his unwavering dedication to the Union. The Final Jeopardy clue illuminated this lesser-known episode, offering viewers a chance to connect with one of America’s most iconic figures on a more personal level.