Ulysses S. Grant’s Title Quirks
The Civil War general turned president never called people by their actual names. During his 1869-1877 administration, Grant addressed everyone by their titles—”General,” “Senator,” or “Captain”—confusing many White House visitors. This habit stemmed from his military background. Staff members adapted to this formality, but guests found it odd coming from such a plainspoken man. Grant maintained this practice as a way of imposing order on his chaotic presidency.
