George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was an American cavalry commander in the Civil War and the Indian Wars who is best remembered for his defeat and death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn against a coalition of Native American tribes, led by Sitting Bull.

Early life

George Armstrong Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, son of a farmer and blacksmith. Through his life he was known by a variety of nicknames: Armstrong, Autie (his own juvenile attempt to pronounce his middle name), Fanny, and Curley. His brothers Thomas Ward Custer and Boston Custer would accompany him at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The other two siblings were Nevin and Margaret Custer. George spent much of his boyhood living with his half-sister and his brother-in-law in Monroe, Michigan, where he attended school and is now honored by a statue in the center of town. Before entering the U.S. Military Academy, he taught school in Ohio. A local legend suggests that Custer obtained his appointment to the Academy due to the influence of a prominent resident who wished to keep Custer away from his daughter.

Related Topics:
New Rumley, Ohio - Thomas Ward Custer - Boston Custer - Battle of Little Big Horn - Nevin - Margaret Custer - Monroe, Michigan - U.S. Military Academy

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Custer graduated from West Point last of a class of 34 cadets in 1861, just after the start of the Civil War. His tenure at the Academy was a rocky one and he came close to expulsion each of his four years due to excessive demerits, many from pulling pranks on fellow cadets. But he began a path to a distinguished war record, one that has been overshadowed in history by his role and fate in the Indian Wars.

Related Topics:
West Point - 1861 - Indian Wars

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