Fun Facts About General Custer

in #custer7 years ago

Currently I'm reading James Robbins' The Real Custer: From Boy General to Tragic Hero. I've always been curious about George Armstrong Custer, as he seems to be among those grudgingly added to American history textbooks. He's become a "bad guy" in contemporary culture because of his success on the plains fighting American Indians. Nonetheless, he also played an essential role in Pickett's Charge, keeping Confederates at bay in Gettysburg.

Hero? Villain? My soft spot for him grew when I learned his nickname was Cinnamon. The moniker was a result of the cinnamon-scented hair oils he used at West Point. Older cadets teased him so mercilessly that eventually he decided to shave his head. Then, because his hair was too short to meet regulations, he was stuck wearing wigs for a while.

Poor Custer. His wife, Libbie, did not want to spend time with him because she thought his hair was too pale and he was a tacky dresser. In particular, she found the yellow lining of his coat hideous. It turns out that coat was part of his Union uniform. I guess the federal government is responsible for bad taste…

What about you? Custer: pro or con?

Sort:  

I like what you're doing here. Cultivate it and keep going.

Congratulations @goethegal! You received a personal award!

Happy Birthday! - You are on the Steem blockchain for 1 year!

Click here to view your Board

Support SteemitBoard's project! Vote for its witness and get one more award!

Congratulations @goethegal! You received a personal award!

Happy Birthday! - You are on the Steem blockchain for 2 years!

You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking

Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!