From MIRS:
On This Date In Michigan History
On June 29, 1863 George Armstrong CUSTER was appointed to command the Michigan Cavalry Brigade.
Raised in Monroe, Custer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1861. Serving as a junior officer for the first two years of the Civil War, Custer -- and two other junior officers -- were promoted to brigadier general in late June 1863. The unique move was intended to instill élan in the Army of the Potomac's cavalry command, which was often bested by Rebel cavalry.
Custer received command of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, which consisted of four regiments of Michigan cavalrymen. Several days later, Custer and his command played a key role in stopping Rebel efforts to break the center of the Union line in the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Source -- Michigan History magazine
Comments