George Armstrong Custer

Date of Birth: December 5, 1839

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: June 25, 1876

Biography

George Armstrong Custer was an American cavalry commander who gained fame during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Born in New Rumley, Ohio, Custer graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1861. He rapidly rose through the ranks due to his aggressive and often reckless tactics, becoming a brigadier general at the age of 23. Custer is perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, where he and his entire detachment were killed by a coalition of Native American tribes. Custer’s military career began in earnest during the Civil War, where he participated in many significant battles, including Gettysburg and Appomattox. After the war, he was sent to the western frontier to fight in the Indian Wars. Despite his controversial methods and mixed results, Custer remained a popular and romanticized figure in American history.

5 Interesting Facts about George Armstrong Custer

1. George Armstrong Custer graduated last in his class at West Point in 1861.

2. He was known for his flamboyant personal style, often wearing a red scarf and custom-made uniforms.

3. Custer was court-martialed and suspended from the Army in 1867 for being absent without leave and for mistreating his soldiers.

4. His wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, outlived him by 57 years and worked tirelessly to preserve his legacy.

5. The Battle of Little Bighorn, where Custer made his last stand, is also known as “Custer’s Last Stand.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Armstrong Custer

1. “I would be willing, yes glad, to see a battle every day during my life.”

2. “There are not enough Indians in the world to defeat the Seventh Cavalry.”

3. “It is not how many battles you win, but how many people you can save.”

4. “The first duty of an officer is to his country; the second is to his men.”

5. “I will be on hand when it is over, so that no one can take my place.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Custer’s highest net worth was relatively modest, primarily consisting of his military salary and some personal effects. Estimated in today’s terms, it would be around $50,000.