Last updated: September 5, 2026
Person
George Armstrong Custer
Library of Congress
Quick Facts
Significance:
US 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 commanded 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 with his half-sibling's family in Monroe, Michigan. Custer entered West Point in 1857 to continue formal education. Custer graduated last in the class of 1861. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer was became a Lieutenant in the 2nd US 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 led to an appointment on the staff of commanding General George B. McClellan. McClellan wrote, “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 cavalry officer General Alfred Pleasonton. In 1863, Custer was promoted to Brigadier General of volunteers.
Glory at Gettysburg
Custer took command of the Michigan Brigade on June 29, 1863 and immediately led them into ferocious combat at Gettysburg. After 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. Custer's soldiers pursued retreating Confederates across the Potomac River and into 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 US Army of the Potomac had undergone major leadership changes. Custer now reported to General Philip Sheridan, an equally aggressive fighter. Custer’s Michigan Brigade played an active role 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, joined the newly rebuilt Army of the Shenandoah commanded by Sheridan.
Victory in the Valley
Sheridan tasked Custer with leading his Brigade against John S. Mosby’s partisan rangers. This involved a brutal guerrilla-style warfare that angered many civilians. 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 burning of the Shenandoah Valley's farms. 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.
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 US 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 mustered out of volunteer service. After considering several non-military options, Custer returned to the regular army. As a Lieutenant Colonel he commanded the 7th US Cavalry. The unit served on the Great Plains, enforcing peace among Native American Tribes. But peace for who? Custer fought in several battles, including Washita River, and forced communities onto reservations. Civil War heroics should not overshadow 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 died. The news stunned the nation. 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 continued to live on in dime novels, art, music and film; creating a controversial legacy.