Custer, Officers, and Family Members Pose on the Great Plains
Custer gained a reputation during the Civil War for having many photographs taken of himself. And while he didn't have many opportunities to be photographed in the west, there are some examples of him posing for the camera.
In this photograph, Custer, along with officers under his command and, apparently, members of their families, pose on a hunting expedition. Custer was fond of the hunting on the plains, and was even called upon at times to escort dignitaries.
In 1873, Custer took the Grand Duke Alexie of Russia, who was touring the United States on a goodwill visit, buffalo hunting.
In 1874, Custer was dispatched on more serious business, and led an expedition into the Black Hills. Custer's party, which included geologists, confirmed the presence of gold, which set off a gold rush in the Dakota Territory. The influx of whites created a tense situation with the native Sioux, and ultimately led to Custer attacking the Sioux at the Little Bighorn in 1876.
In this photograph, Custer, along with officers under his command and, apparently, members of their families, pose on a hunting expedition. Custer was fond of the hunting on the plains, and was even called upon at times to escort dignitaries.
In 1873, Custer took the Grand Duke Alexie of Russia, who was touring the United States on a goodwill visit, buffalo hunting.
In 1874, Custer was dispatched on more serious business, and led an expedition into the Black Hills. Custer's party, which included geologists, confirmed the presence of gold, which set off a gold rush in the Dakota Territory. The influx of whites created a tense situation with the native Sioux, and ultimately led to Custer attacking the Sioux at the Little Bighorn in 1876.