Potato Monument

Yesterday a gentleman came into the visitor center and asked if I knew where the potato monument was located.  After he assured me that he wasn't joking, he told me about it.
   Ulyses S Grant was the Quartermaster, (Supply Officer), stationed at the Columbia Barracks in 1852 as a Brevet Captain (Lieutenent) and then later a Captain.   Now when you read the inscription you will understand.

Grant did not have a stellar military career here at Vancouver.  He was separated from his family and was unable to bring them here to be with him.  His unhappiness caused him to take to drinking which did not help either his mood or job performance.  He was transfered to another fort in northern California and then resigned his commission until he was called back for the Civil War.