The relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and the Willard InterContinental Washington is famous in American political history and is closely tied to the origin of the term “lobbyist.”
During his presidency (1869–1877), Grant often walked from the White House to the nearby Willard Hotel in the evening. The hotel was one of the most elegant and important gathering places in Washington, located just a short distance from the White House.
Grant liked to sit in the hotel’s lobby to relax, smoke a cigar, and sometimes have a drink.
Because Grant spent time there regularly, many people who wanted political favors, government contracts, or policy influence began waiting in the hotel lobby to approach him.
These individuals were trying to influence the president and other politicians who frequented the hotel. They became known as “lobbyists.”
According to popular lore, Grant jokingly referred to these persistent people as “those damn lobbyists.”
While historians note that the word lobbyist existed earlier, the story at the Willard made the term widely popular in Washington political culture.
In the 19th century, the Willard Hotel was essentially a political headquarters for Washington. Many politicians, diplomats, and power brokers stayed or met there.
Other notable figures connected to the hotel include Abraham Lincoln – stayed there before his 1861 inauguration; Martin Luther King Jr. – finished writing his “I Have a Dream” speech there.
I had passed by this hotel many times and even had lunch outside near the lobby during the summer, but I had never gone inside.
While studying U.S. history, I learned the story about the connection between President Ulysses S. Grant and the Willard Hotel. That made me curious, so I decided to visit the hotel.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed admiring the colorful, one-of-a-kind decorations and taking photos. It was a lot of fun.
