Elizabeth Bacon Custer

About the Author

Elizabeth Bacon Custer, born in 1842 in Monroe, Michigan, was the devoted wife of General George Armstrong Custer and a prolific writer whose works offer intimate glimpses into the American Civil War and the turbulent frontier life of the Old West. Educated at the McPherson Female Seminary, she accompanied her husband on numerous military campaigns, enduring the hardships of army life with remarkable resilience. Following the tragic defeat at Little Bighorn in 1876, where she lost her husband, Elizabeth dedicated herself to preserving his legacy through her writings, blending personal anecdotes with historical insight. Her memoir 'Tenting on the Plains' (1878) vividly captures the adventures and challenges of frontier existence, while 'Boots and Saddles' (1885) provides a poignant look at their domestic life amid military duties. 'Following the Guidon' (1890) continues this narrative, offering readers a rare female perspective on the cavalry's world. Through her eloquent prose, Elizabeth not only honored her husband's memory but also illuminated the often-overlooked roles of women in shaping American history, inspiring generations with tales of courage, love, and perseverance.