George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer, May 1865

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:

U.S. Army General

Place of Birth:

New Rumley, Ohio

Date of Birth:

December 5, 1839

Place of Death:

Little Bighorn Battlefield, Montana

Date of Death:

June 25, 1876

Place of Burial:

West Point, New York

Cemetery Name:

West Point Cemetery

George Armstrong Custer rode a meteoric rise to fame during the Civil War. Fighting in many battles, Custer took command of a cavalry division during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. He attained his highest rank of brevet Major General after the Battle of Cedar Creek. Custer was killed in 1876 at Little Bighorn while attacking a Lakota and Cheyenne village.

Early Life 

George Armstrong Custer was born in 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio. Much of his childhood and teenage years were spent living with his half-sibling's family in Monroe, Michigan. Custer entered West Point in 1857 to continue formal education. He was frequently in trouble there, accumulating frequent demerits that nearly resulted in expulsion. Custer graduated last in the class of 1861. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry. 

A New Commander

Custer calmly led his company during the First Battle of Manassas in July 1861. A growing reputation for coolness in action during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign near Richmond, Virginia led to an appointment on the staff of commanding General George B. McClellan. Writing about Custer, McClellan recalled, “His head was always clear in danger and he always brought me clear and intelligible reports.” After the Battle of Antietam, he joined the staff of General Alfred Pleasonton, eventual commander of the Army of the Potomac’s Cavalry Corps. The summer of 1863 brought Custer a surprising promotion to Brigadier General of volunteers, in command of the Michigan Brigade of cavalry. 

Glory at Gettysburg 

Custer took command on June 29, 1863, and led his brigade immediately into ferocious combat at Gettysburg later that week. After leading a furious charge on July 3, the legend of the young cavalier and his wolverines began to grow. Custer's tactics were often fearless and aggressive. Despite the Federal victory at Gettysburg, Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia escaped across the rain-swollen Potomac River. Custer's soldiers pursued their enemy as it moved into and up the Shenandoah Valley. In February of 1864, Custer married Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon, whose father disapproved of their union. 

With Sheridan's Cavalry Corps 

By 1864 the Federal Army of the Potomac had undergone major leadership changes. Custer now reported to General Philip Sheridan, the new commander of Federal cavalry, an equally aggressive fighter. Custer and the Michigan Brigade played an active during the grueling 1864 Overland Campaign. They fought at The Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, and Trevilian Station. In August of 1864, most of the Federal cavalry, including Custer, were assigned to the newly rebuilt Army of the Shenandoah. 

Victory in the Valley 

The Army of the Shenandoah was commanded by a familiar general, Philip Sheridan. Custer, who had earned Sheridan's trust, was soon tasked with leading his Brigade against Confederate partisan rangers led by Colonel John S. Mosby. This involved a brutal guerrilla-style warfare which blurred the lines between frontlines and the home front. After the Federal victory at Third Winchester in September, Custer was elevated to command of the army's Third Cavalry Division. His troops participated in the hard war policy that destroyed the Shenandoah Valley's farms and wheatfields. In October, Custer was victorious at the Battle of Tom's Brook and led an assault that broke the Confederate left flank at Cedar Creek. Sheridan nominated Custer for promotion to brevet Major General of volunteers soon after. 

Returning to the Army of the Potomac in the spring of 1865. At Appomattox Court House, Custer's Division trapped the Confederate Army, leading to the surrender of Robert E. Lee. On April 15, 1865, Custer was fully promoted to Major General of volunteers, making him the youngest Major General in the Federal Army at age 25.

Post Civil War 

As part of reconstruction duties, Custer commanded cavalry soldiers in Louisiana and Texas. During the summer of 1866 he was mustered out of volunteer service. After considering several employment options, Custer returned to the regular army to command the 7th U.S. Cavalry at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The unit served primarily on the Great Plains enforcing the peace among Native American Tribes of the Great Plains. But peace for who? Custer was involved in several battles, including Washita River, that massacred Native Americans and forced tribes onto reservations. Custer's Civil War heroics should not overshadow this violence in the west. 

On June 25, 1876, Custer brushed off intelligence and advice offered by his scouts. He aggressively attacked a Lakota and Cheyenne village of 7,000 people along the Little Bighorn River in southern Montana. Custer and his entire command were killed. The nation was stunned. For the rest of her life, Custer's widow Libbie Bacon, tirelessly portrayed her husband as a brave, gallant, and noble figure struck down before his time. Custer's name would continue to live on in dime novels, art, music and film; creating a controversial legacy.