George Custer

eneral George A. Custer is one of the most famous U.S. generals, but he did not gain his fame through military genius or heroic acts, he gained it primarily through his death at the Battle of Little Big Horn. He attended West Point Military Academy where he graduated last in his class. He fought well in the Civil War and was afterward put in charge of the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army. He desired success and recognition as he battled the Indians in the 1870s. Custer's ambition led him to foolishly attack a Sioux Indian camp on June 25, 1876. This camp turned out to be the stronghold of the Sioux army and his men were greatly outnumbered when the battle began. The Battle of Little Big Horn is known commonly as “Custer's Last Stand,” and was the worst military defeat in U.S. History. It was the high point for the Sioux nation which fought vigorously for its freedom. For Custer, it gave him the fame he had aspired to, although it also took his life.