Kisses from Corpus Christi

In November 1845, Young Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant wrote some of the loneliest love letters of his life. He penned them from his army tent on Corpus Christi Bay where half of the US army was encamped on its way to the US-Mexican War.

Ulysses wrote Julia ten love letters from Corpus Christi, the most written from any single place during their four-year long distance courtship.

Gen. Zachary Taylor's army Corpus Christi Bay

"Two or three mails have arrived at Corpus Christi in the last few days. By each I confidently expected a letter from you, but each time I was disappointed" - excerpt from one of Ulysses' letters written at Corpus Christi, November 1845

In 2007, our historian and producer, Patricia Cameron, visited Corpus Christi to experience, firsthand, the wind-swept beaches of Corpus Christi Bay where Ulysses longed for Julia. Thanks to the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, Patricia got her wish! The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel sits on the same stretch of beach where young Ulysses wrote his heart-breaking letters to Julia! The staff of the hotel welcomed Patricia with open arms and did all they could to help her in her endeavor. They made sure she had a large desk for writing and a beautiful view of Corpus Christi Bay for inspiration!

Learn all about young Ulysses' letters in our film, "The Love Letters of Ulysses S. Grant."

As the sun sets on the month of November, remember the lonely Ulysses writing to express his love on Corpus Christi Bay, and let's take the time to let our loved ones know that we love them too!