Brigadier General George A. Custer
Portrayed by Mark McNierney
Impressionist Mark McNierney portrays Brigadier General George A. Custer during his rise to fame as a cavalry officer and commander. Mark's been involved with American Civil War Re-enacting and Living History for many years, but has become well know recently for his two notable person impressions. In addition to George Custer, Mark has also portrayed Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the 20th Maine.
General Custer (Mark McNierneyl) on his trusty mount at Spotsylvania CH Battlefield during the 155th anniversary commemoration event.
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Custer (left) with Alfred Pleasonton in Autumn 1863.
George Armstrong Custer was born of humble origins in Ohio on December 5th, 1839. His graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 1861 bared little evidence of future success with the lowly distinction of being ranked last in his class. As a second lieutenant of Cavalry, he served admirably at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861 as a message courier. Over the next couple years, he distinguished himself with bravery and aggressive actions as a cavalry officer, and was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in June 1863 at the age of 23. At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Custer’s Michigan Cavalry Brigade suffered high casualties when outnumbered and heavily engaged by Confederate Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart. But, under Custer’s bold leadership, the brigade fended off the attack and won the field.
In September 1864 at the Third Battle of Winchester, General Custer led a brilliant and timely charge that was instrumental in routing the Confederate Army in the Shenandoah Valley commanded by General Jubal Early. At Appomattox Station in April 1865, Custer captured rebel army supply trains, virtually sealing the fate of the remnants of the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee. At Appomattox Court House, Custer was present when General Lee surrendered his army to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. Major General Phil Sheridan said in a letter to Custer’s wife Libbie that, “…there is scarcely an individual in our service who has contributed more to bringing about this desirable result (the surrender) than your gallant husband.” George A. Custer’s vital contributions to the Federal Army victories at Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Waynesboro, Five Forks, and Appomattox CH were recognized by his promotion to the rank of Major General of Volunteers at the conclusion of the war. Custer remained in the U.S. Army after the war and died in 1876 in Montana Territory fighting Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at the Battle of Little Big Horn. |
