(CUSTER, GEORGE ARMSTRONG) (1839-1876) Sixth-p

THE EARLIEST KNOWN PHOTOGRAPH OF CUSTER IN UNIFORM. (CUSTER, GEORGE ARMSTRONG) (1839-1876)
Sixth-plate ruby ambrotype of George Armstrong Custer as a graduating cadet at West Point. In a sealed, blue gutta-percha case with a brass clasp; inscribed and dated, in a contemporary hand and in pencil, on the paper lining. 1861

from the collection of jerome shochet. This exceptionally rare photograph may well be the earliest image of the young Custer in uniform. The notations on the paper lining read, "2nd Lieut. G. A. Custer, 2nd Regt. Cavalry U. S. A., Washington, D. C.," "Picture taken at Buffalo, N. Y., June 1861, while a Cadet at the Military Academy West Point N. Y.," and "Cadet G. A. Custer U. S. C. C., U. S. M. A." The date would indicate that this photograph was taken just before his graduation on June 24th, approximately one month prior to his joining his troops in Virginia at the start of the Battle of Bull Run. It is unclear why Custer would have been in Buffalo though it is possible that it was a stopping point on his way home to visit his family in Ohio. It has been suggested that the uniform he is wearing is his summer furlough uniform.

Within four years, Custer, once 34th in his graduating class of 34, had been promoted to Major General of volunteers.

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