Historical Figure Tuesday: General George Armstrong Custer
We watched the movie, Night at the Museum 2, and loved all the historical figures, one being General Armstrong Custer. We always laughed at the part where he would brush his long golden wavy hair in vain making remarks about his locks. (You must see this movie if you haven’t yet!) And when we read some interested fun facts about him it was true, that he was considered vain because of all the time he would spend on his hair keeping it nice and beautiful…too funny. But there are of course, some other amazing facts about this man other than his hair…
Custer had two brothers, Tom and Boston and both were with Custer at Little Big Horn and were among those killed. His sister, Margaret, became a widow when her husband, James Calhoun, died with the Custer brothers. Nevin, next younger than George, was the only survivor to have descendents.
Custer had no children. General Custer and his wife, Libby, (Elizabeth Bacon) did not have any children.
Custer had a nickname: Cinnamon. Custer was indeed imbued with vanity for his personal appearance; in particular his long, flowing head of golden hair. He would religiously comb and then treat his hair with a cinnamon scented tonic. After the war, his troops’ nickname for him was Iron Butt, apparently due to Custer’s penchant for extremely long horse marches.
Custer’s hometown: Custer was born in Ohio
Custer attended the Military Academy, at West Point, but was not a strong academic. He placed last in his class.
Custer was the youngest U.S. General at the time at age 23. He actually was demoted to lieutenant so he wouldn’t have too much power.
Custer attacked at Five Forks. The Confederates, led by Major General George Pickett, were overwhelmed and lost 5,200 men. On hearing the news, Robert E. Lee decided to abandon Richmond and President Jefferson Davis, his family and government officials, was forced to flee from the city.
By the end of the war Custer had been brevetted for gallant and meritorious services on five occasions. Although only wounded once he had 11 horses killed under him.
Custer was outgoing: Custer was not shy or reserved
Custer was afraid of… water. Custer was deathly afraid of it.
Custer’s leaders: Marcos Reno and Frederick Benteen hated Custer. They hated him because they thought he was an egomaniac.
Custer’s Role Model: President Ulysses Grant. He was his role model because he was a military hero and U.S. president, something Custer wanted very badly. Unfortunately, Grant did not take a liking to Custer.
Battle of the Little Big Horn lasted 2 days. Custer was dead by on the first day the battle started.
These were some fascinating facts about General Armstrong Custer. I hope you and your kids find them fascinating, too. Watch the movie, Night at the Museum 2 with your kiddos, we are going to be studying each historical figure in depth from the movie, watch for our next one next Tuesday!
When you learn through living, everyday life presents learning opportunities, as well as the excitement from you to show them something new. Reading about General George Custer just might lead to more study and maybe a library visit for some more books on this historical figure!
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