Indian Wars: George A. Custer Born

December 5, 1839 - George A. Custer (right) is born at New Rumley, Ohio. An 1861 graduate of West Point, Custer finished last in his class. Saved from obscurity by the Civil War, he rapidly worked his way up the ranks and established a reputation as a brave, but reckless, cavalry commander. Seeing action with the Army of the Potomac and in the Valley with Major General Philip Sheridan, Custer rose to division command and was present at Appomattox when the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. After the war, Custer, like many officers was reduced in rank and briefly considered leaving the US Army. Opting to remain in the service, he became lieutenant colonel of the newly formed 7th Cavalry in 1866. After leading the regiment to victory over the Cheyenne at the Battle of Washita River in 1868, Custer conducted a successful scouting of the Black Hills in 1874. Two years later, Custer and the 7th rode out as part of an effort to force the Sioux and Cheyenne onto reservations. Encountering a large number of warriors under Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse on June 25, 1876, at the Little Bighorn River, Custer recklessly decided to attack and was repulsed. Outnumbered, Custer's men fell back and were overrun. After making a gallant last stand, Custer was killed with his men.

Custer's Civil War:

• First Battle of Bull Run
• Battle of Brandy Station
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Battle of the Wilderness
• Battle of Cedar Creek
• Battle of Five Forks

Photograph Courtesy of the Library of Congress