War hero to White House: History Channel presents the story of President Ulysses S. Grant

As a presidential election looms before Americans, television dives into the past to tell the story of one of the nation’s most influential figures. Reenactments, expert commentary and archival imagery trace the life of a former president from humble beginnings to battlefield glory to the White House and beyond in this new television event.

Justin Salinger (“Enduring Love,” 2004) stars as Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, in the three-night presentation of the miniseries “Grant,” beginning on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, and continuing the following two evenings on History Channel. The six-hour program shines a spotlight on a man many experts feel has been largely forgotten, despite his achievements on the battlefield and in the White House.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, actor-producer Leonardo Dicaprio (“Titanic,” 1997) and producer Jennifer Davisson (“Orphan,” 2009) serve as executive producers for the epic from Radicalmedia, in association with Lionsgate.

This new series follows the success of History Channel’s recent miniseries “Washington,” which told the story of the nation’s first president, George Washington. When it premiered in February, “Washington” pulled in top ratings for History Channel, making it the No. 1 miniseries on cable in nearly three years, with more than 2.5 million viewers. Such shows are hallmarks of History Channel’s traditional programming, and it looks as if the network is eager to continue its foray into historical presidencies.

“Ulysses S. Grant is one of our most brilliant, yet misunderstood presidents, and History is committed to telling the compelling stories, like his, of those who have shaped our great nation,” History Channel executive Eli

Lehrer said. “This is an important part of American history that deserves to be told, and we look forward to delivering our latest premium core history documentary series to our audience.”

While Grant, much like Washington, was a famed general and politician, the new miniseries reveals that many of his contributions to American history have been underappreciated.