NEW RICHMOND — Dozens of residents and community leaders gathered Wednesday afternoon to dedicate a new mural honoring Ulysses S. Grant. The event celebrated the village’s historic ties to the 18th U.S. president and its proud abolitionist heritage.
The ceremony took place outside the New Richmond Military Museum, 328 Front Street, as part of America 250, a nationwide initiative marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
An early crowd lines up to view the Ulysses S. Grant mural. Painted by Scott Hagan.
The mural, painted by artist Scott Hagan, known across Clermont County as “the Barn Artist,” depicts Grant in his Union blue uniform alongside his Point Pleasant birthplace and the historic quote, “Let us have peace.” The hand-painted portrait stretches across the museum’s north wall and serves as the newest addition to Clermont County’s growing America 250 Historical Art Mural Trail.
Residents and visitors can view other works from Hagen across Clermont County and the surrounding area, including the Southwest Ohio Barn Mural, located alongside Ohio State Route 32 in Williamsburg.
See more of Scott Hagan's work here.
The dedication to Grant began with the Posting of Colors, as the American and POW/MIA flags stood on each side of the artwork waving in the chilled November air. Army veteran Ty Powers led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before Deacon Ron Stang of St. Peter’s Church offered a prayer for the nation and restatement of Grant’s words of peace.
Army Veteran Ty Powers leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Clermont County Commissioner David Painter praised both the artwork and the community’s enduring connection to Grant.
“It is with great pride and reverence that we dedicate this stunning mural to Ulysses S. Grant,” Painter said. “Standing here today in New Richmond, just eight miles from Point Pleasant where Grant was born, makes this moment especially meaningful.”
Representatives from Discover Clermont, Connect Clermont, and Duke Energy also took part in the ceremony, reflecting on the county’s role in preserving Southwest Ohio’s local history. A letter from Congressman David Taylor, read by Joe Abner, his deputy district director, commended the community’s “strength, leadership, and perseverance” and its efforts to celebrate America’s story through visual art.
Jeff Blom, president of the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Judi Adams, both co-chairs of the America 250–Clermont County Committee, expressed excitement about the mural trail’s growth.
“We’re inspired by the pride and enthusiasm this mural has brought to the village,” Blom said. “We look forward to unveiling more of these meaningful works of public art across Clermont County.”
Following the ribbon cutting, residents lingered to admire the art and share cake under Grant’s stoic gaze.
Born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant was the first born of six children. New Richmond doctor George Rogers, the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society, was present at Grant’s birth.
Grant learned to ride and manage horses at a young age, a skill that he would utilize in his later military career with the Union Army. He graduated from West Point military academy on June 30, 1843, ranked 21st out of 39 in his class, and enjoyed the rank of brevet second lieutenant.
Grant became the commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. He personally participated in battles against Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. His leadership helped secure victory for the North and the preservation of the Union.
Grant’s contributions to the Union Army supported abolitionism in Ohio. The Underground Railroad was a key network for enslaved people escaping to Canada. Clermont County and the Greater Cincinnati area became a central hub for these efforts.
After helping win the war, Grant became the 18th president of the United States in 1868 and oversaw the early stages of Reconstruction, upholding the rights of former enslaved people.
Grant began to write several memoirs detailing his life and military service, which he completed in 1885. Just days later, Grant passed away leaving behind a legacy celebrated in books, films, public art across his native Ohio.
Organizers of America 250 announced plans to unveil a statue of Grant in Bethel, Ohio, sometime next year. You can stay up to date by subscribing to Connect Clermont.
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