Elizabeth Bacon Custer, American author and educator (d. 1933)

Elizabeth Clift Custer, born Elizabeth Clift Bacon on April 8, 1842, and passing away on April 4, 1933, just four days shy of her 91st birthday, was much more than simply the wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer of the United States Army. She emerged as a significant American author and public speaker in her own right, dedicating a considerable portion of her life to shaping the historical narrative surrounding her famed husband.

Her early life as a military spouse was marked by constant movement and adaptation. During their marriage, Elizabeth demonstrated remarkable resilience, often choosing to remain in relatively close proximity to her husband. This was no small feat, considering his extensive military engagements throughout the tumultuous American Civil War and his subsequent, often challenging, postings as a commanding officer in the United States Cavalry on the vast and untamed Great Plains. Her unwavering presence, often living in frontier encampments, provided a rare glimpse into the personal side of a high-ranking military life during a pivotal era in American expansion.

Championing a Controversial Legacy

The course of Elizabeth Custer's life was irrevocably altered by the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876, where her husband and a significant portion of his command were famously annihilated. Left not only grief-stricken but also nearly destitute, as the financial security often afforded to military families vanished with George's death, Elizabeth faced immense hardship. However, rather than succumbing to despair, she channeled her energy into a singular, monumental mission: to rehabilitate and lionize her husband's legacy. At a time when public opinion was sharply divided and often critical of Custer's actions leading to the "Last Stand," Elizabeth became his most fervent and eloquent advocate.

Through her widely popular books and captivating public lectures, she embarked on a decades-long campaign to solidify General Custer's image as a gallant, if ultimately tragic, fallen hero. Her writings, including acclaimed works like Boots and Saddles: Or, Life in Dakota with General Custer (1885), Tenting on the Plains: Or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas (1887), and Following the Guidon (1890), offered an intimate, often romanticized, view of their life together and his military career. These narratives, presented with a keen understanding of public sentiment, were instrumental in embedding the legend of "Custer's Last Stand" as a glorious, if ill-fated, moment in American history. For nearly a century after his death, largely due to Elizabeth's tireless efforts, this heroic portrayal became a deeply ingrained part of the national consciousness, often overshadowing more critical historical analyses.

A Life of Unwavering Devotion

Elizabeth Custer's personal life after 1876 was characterized by profound dedication to her late husband's memory. She never remarried, a testament to her enduring love and her singular commitment to preserving his reputation. She continued to live a long and impactful life, passing away in 1933, having outlived her husband by 57 years. Her influence was so profound that her perspective on George Armstrong Custer largely defined how generations of Americans understood him.

Her own compelling story and association with one of America's most iconic military figures have ensured her place in popular culture. Beginning in the 1940s, Elizabeth Custer has been portrayed by a number of notable actresses in various films and later on television, further cementing her image as a steadfast and determined figure in American historical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Custer

Who was Elizabeth Custer?

Elizabeth Clift Custer, born Elizabeth Bacon, was an American author and public speaker, best known as the devoted wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer. She dedicated much of her post-widowhood life to preserving and promoting her husband's legacy.

What was her connection to George Armstrong Custer?

She was his wife and lifelong partner, accompanying him through many of his military assignments during the Civil War and on the Great Plains. After his death at the Battle of Little Bighorn, she became his primary advocate and biographer, shaping his historical image.

How did she support her husband's legacy?

Elizabeth Custer authored several popular books, including Boots and Saddles, Tenting on the Plains, and Following the Guidon, which presented a heroic and sympathetic portrayal of her husband. She also undertook extensive lecture tours, speaking to countless audiences and defending his character and actions.

What books did she write?

Her most famous works include Boots and Saddles: Or, Life in Dakota with General Custer (1885), which chronicled their time on the frontier; Tenting on the Plains: Or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas (1887), detailing earlier assignments; and Following the Guidon (1890), which continued her recollections.

Did Elizabeth Custer ever remarry?

No, Elizabeth Custer never remarried after the death of her husband in 1876. She remained dedicated to his memory for the rest of her life.

When did Elizabeth Custer die?

She passed away on April 4, 1933, just four days before her 91st birthday, having lived 57 years longer than her husband.