George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer
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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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George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Custer was admitted to West Point in 1857, where he graduated last in his class in 1861. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer was called to serve with the Union Army.
Custer developed a strong reputation during the Civil War. He participated in the first major engagement, the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, near Washington, D.C. His association with several important officers helped his career as did his success as a highly effective cavalry commander. Custer was brevetted to brigadier general at age 23, less than a week before the Battle of Gettysburg, where he personally led cavalry charges that prevented Confederate cavalry from attacking the Union rear in support of Pickett's Charge. He was wounded in the Battle of Culpeper Court House in Virginia on September 13, 1863. In 1864, Custer was awarded another star and brevetted to major general rank. At the conclusion of the Appomattox Campaign, in which he and his troops played a decisive role, Custer was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant, on April 9, 1865.
After the Civil War, Custer remained a major general in the United States Volunteers until they were mustered out in February 1866. He reverted to his permanent rank of captain and was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the 7th Cavalry Regiment in July 1866. He was dispatched to the west in 1867 to fight in the American Indian Wars. On June 25, 1876, while leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory against a coalition of Native American tribes, he and all of his detachment—which included two of his brothers—were killed. The battle is popularly known in American history as "Custer's Last Stand."