2026 John Y. & Harriet Simon Day Lecture: Unconditional Surrender - Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War

Park Event · Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site · Sep 12, 2026 · 10:00 AM–11:00 AM

Dr. Curt Fields will discuss his latest book, Unconditional Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War.

Dr. Curt Fields

Dr. Curt Fields has had a strong interest in the Civil War since he was about 12 years old. That interest led him, ultimately, to portray General Grant in first-person. In “being” General and President Grant, he developed a deep respect for the complex man that Grant was—a man who has, regrettably, been shunted into the shadows of history.

In the 21st century, Curt has been:

• a police officer and hostage negotiator
• a high school teacher and later a principal
• a university instructor

In 2022, Curt was elected to the board of directors of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. He serves on the board of directors for the Civil War Roundtable Congress and on the board of the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association. Curt is co-author with Chris Mackowski of Unconditional Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War, part of the Emerging Civil War Series.

Program Information

The program will take place in the theater in the Visitor Center. The program is free, but reservations are required. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).