Elizabeth Custer (Bacon)
Elizabeth Custer (Bacon)
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**GEORGE...Civil War Union Major General. One of the most famous, controversial figures in US Military history. Graduated last in his West Point Class (June 1861). Spent first part of the Civil War as a courier & staff officer. Promoted from Captain to Brig General of Volunteers just prior to the Battle of Gettysburg, and was given command of the Michigan "Wolverines" Cavalry brigade. He helped defeat Gen Stuart's attempt to make a cavalry strike behind Union lines on the 3rd Day of the Battle (July 3, 1863), thus markedly contributing to the Army of the Potomac's victory (a large monument to his Brigade now stands in the East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg). Participated in nearly every cavalry action in Virginia from that point until the end of the war, always performing boldly, most often brilliantly, and always seeking publicity for himself and his actions. Ended the war as a Major General of Volunteers and a Brevet Major General in the Regular Army. Upon Army reorganization in 1866, he was appointed LT Colonel of the soon to be renown 7th US Cavalry. Fought in the various actions against the Western Indians, often with a singular brutality (exemplified by his wiping out of a Cheyenne village on the Washita in Nov 1868). His exploits on the Plains were romanticized by Eastern US newspapermen, and he was elevated to legendary status in his time. His military career culminated in the June 25, 1876, Battle of Little Big Horn and his "Last Stand," where he and most of his regiment were wiped out in one of the best known military actions of the 19th century. To this day General Custer's deeds and place in history spawn much debate and historical controversy. His brilliant Civil War record cannot be overlooked, nor can his brutal part in the Wars against the Indians. (bio by: Russ Dodge).
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Elizabeth Clift Custer (née Bacon; April 8, 1842 – April 4, 1933) was an American author and public speaker, and the wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer, United States Army. She spent most of their marriage in relatively close proximity to him despite his numerous military campaigns in the American Civil War and subsequent postings on the Great Plains as a commanding officer in the United States Cavalry.
Left nearly destitute in the aftermath of her husband's death, she became an outspoken advocate for his legacy through her popular books and lectures. Largely as a result of her decades of campaigning on his behalf, General Custer's iconic image as the gallant fallen hero amid the glory of 'Custer's Last Stand' was a canon of American history for almost a century after his death.
Elizabeth Custer never remarried and far outlived her husband, reaching age 90 when she died in 1933. She has been portrayed by a number of actresses starting in the 1940s in movies and on television.