The "Indian Ring" (Secretary of War Belknap Scandal, 1876)

Here are the key dates and details connecting Ulysses S. Grant and what’s known as the “Indian Ring” or tradership scandal involving William W. Belknap:

• On March 2, 1876, Belknap submitted his resignation as Secretary of War to President Grant amid the exposure of the tradership corruption scheme.


• On the same day (March 2, 1876), the United States House of Representatives voted unanimously to impeach Belknap.


• The U.S. Senate held his impeachment trial in May 1876 (with hearings beginning in April) and on August 1, 1876, the Senate voted to acquit Belknap because the required two-thirds majority was not reached.