Grant was platted in 1886 when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad was extended to that point.

[6][7] The city is named for Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States.

[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.73 square miles (1.89 km2), all land.

[9] As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 1,165 people, 520 households, and 317 families living in the city.

36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.