According to historians, who was the most popular American historical figure of his/her time? [I Love History]

UPDATE: I will take either of 2 answers, because 'historical figure' can be interpreted differently.

This is impossible to know with 100% certainty, of course, but there is a fairly firm view of this.

The winner gets a prize.

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uncleshawn · 41-45, M

ANSWERS:

General Ulysses Grant. He was enormously respected in both the North and South. In the very latter years of his life, as people learned more about him, his popularity hit a peak, despite the many lies and propaganda campaigns spread against him by jealous rivals.

Houdini.

In more modern times, people have TOO MUCH access to media, and there are TOO MANY media figures being promoted. So, popularity is spread among a wider group of people. Also, the further back you go, the more people were respected for truly amazing things and for their character as opposed to shallow reasons.

FreestyleArt · 36-40, M

@uncleshawn ah I was somewhat close. Grant was Abram's only Hope during the Silver War.

checkoutanytime · 46-50, M

@uncleshawn u.n. real, alister crow'lees', ruined everything 😑

[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJiWlC-93Y8]

uncleshawn · 41-45, M

@FreestyleArt The way Grant showed respect to Lee and the South and a few other things garnered him immense respect in the South, whereas many regarded Lincoln as a tyrant. It was an age of honor. People with honor respected enemies who they believed acted with honor.