Battle of Belmont: Ulysses S Grant’s First Battle.

The Swamp Fox vs. Grant: Secrets, Strategy, and Survival in the Battle of Belmont
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What makes a hero—and how does an untested leader in a fractured nation rise to face the impossible? As 1861 unfolded, the Union teetered on the edge of a catastrophic divide. With seasoned Confederate generals like Price, Polk, Hardee, and the fearless Pillow lurking in the shadows, the Mississippi River became a chessboard of ambition and suspense. Who could step up to challenge these Southern titans?

In this gripping tale, we meet a quiet yet relentless officer named Ulysses S. Grant, a man of few words but undeniable resolve. Yet why Belmont? Why a barely-known Confederate outpost in the muddy, bug-infested lowlands across from Columbus? As Fremont’s obsession with its strategic potential grew, Grant found himself thrust into the spotlight, ready—or perhaps not—for his first major test.

But Belmont’s defenses were guarded by more than seasoned veterans. Enter Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson, “The Swamp Fox,” who roamed the riverlands with an uncanny ability to strike fear into Union hearts. With paranoia reaching a fever pitch, Grant’s steely calm became his secret weapon.

So, how did a man hardly known beyond his own ranks, a former West Point graduate turned store clerk, suddenly find himself squaring off with some of the South’s most formidable commanders? And what hidden twists did this murky, chaotic battlefield hold? Join us as we dive into the Battle of Belmont, a story of ambition, grit, and the birth of a legend.

[randyperkins]

This presentation claims that Grant was “looking for a way up.” I do not think that is true. Grant was thrust into the position in which he found himself. He had aggressive ideas, which he presented to his superior officers, who basically to;d him to do what he thought he could. He was not then, or ever, bucking for promotion. He did what he thought he could do, with whatever forces he had available. Grant was a humble man.

[johnfleet]

Grant was lucky in that he was far from Washington and the Easter Press when he started the Civil War. He had the chance to grow and develop his skills as a Union General.

[badmoonrisin]

Union soldiers walking on water was not expected by the Confederates and they were so shocked to see men walking on water that they immediately surrendered.

[badmoonrisin]

This map has a few mistakes. It may be upside down since Kentucky and Missouri have swapped places. Is Emarucci? even in America? Is it a state or a short lived territory?

[jameswatson]

I live where Grant had his headquarters for that conflict. That map is completely wrong and non sensical.
This "battle" was doomed from the start. as Belmont was on the east side of the Mississippi, and the battle took place on the west side. So, the Federals were NEVER EVER going to be able to capture, or even directly attack Belmont. The East bank is swampy as hell, but the Blue Bellies would have had to cross either all the way up at Cairo, or at least at Wickliff to even get on the RIGHT side of the river and move through the swamp to attack Belmont. The battle took place in the west bank on the flats across form the heights of Belmont on the other side of the river. (sort of)
The Confederates even launched a raid on Charleston MO Which is what made Grant set his headquarters there in the first palace.

[badmoonrisin]

One wonders why they even needed boats when they could walk on water. Maybe their baggage did not possess this freakish skill?

[byrongreene]

What language is used to label the maps?

[bradellis]

I cant stand these AI automated videos just use a real person its way better.

[Matz]

What language is used on the maps? Its weird. The illustrations, while well done, are historically wrong. The narration is computer generated with mispronunciation of basic words. Why not get a real person?