Custer

Custer is a surname and a place name used in several parts of the United States. The most prominent historical figure associated with the name is George Armstrong Custer (1839–1876), a United States Army cavalry officer who served during the Civil War and later commanded the 7th Cavalry. He became a symbol of the Indian Wars era after his defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, commonly known as Custer's Last Stand. The battle, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, pitted U.S. forces against a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors and resulted in heavy losses for the U.S. Army.

Custer and his legacy have been the subject of extensive historical debate. Supporters emphasized his rapid rise through the ranks and aggressive tactics, while critics highlighted strategic mistakes and the broader context of U.S. westward expansion and policy toward Native Americans. The name lives on in geography and institutions, including Custer, South Dakota, a town at the northern edge of the Black Hills, and Custer County, which appears in several states. Custer National Forest spans parts of Montana and South Dakota, and Custer State Park is located near the town of Custer, SD.