Born in New Rumley, Ohio, George Armstrong Custer was the son of a farmer and blacksmith. He would later live with his half-sister and her husband in Monroe, Michigan. He would go to school in Michigan before beginning his military pursuits.

Custer attended the U.S. Military Academy. He attended the McNeeley Normal School. Ironically, when he graduated from West Point, he wasn’t one of the top in his class. In fact, George Armstrong Custer finished last in his class when he graduated in 1861.

George Armstrong Custer was in various battles and held various ranks and positions. He was the second lieutenant in the 2nd US Calvary. He was at the First Battle of Bull Run. He also served during the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. He was, of course, at Gettysburg.

George Armstrong Custer married Elizabeth Clift Bacon in 1864 but it wouldn’t change who he was in battle. Custer had the reputation for being reckless and willing to go in with the full intent of fighting with all heart and strength available.

As a U.S. Army Calvary Commander and instrumental in the American Civil and Indian wars, Custer was a leader. However, all good leaders in battle, typically fall. Custer wasn’t any different.

In 1876, the battle that would become known as "Custer’s Last Stand" took place at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Over 1800 Indians were ready for the attack and Custer’s group consisted of less than four hundred. He was shot twice and met his death. The site of the battle is now a National Cemetery. However, Custer was eventually laid to rest at West Point Cemetery in 1877.