Boots and Saddles, Tenting on the Plains & Following the Guidon (eBook)

Elizabeth Bacon Custer, an iconic figure of the American West, was born on April 8, 1842, in Monroe, Michigan. Often known as 'Libbie,' Elizabeth was a woman of strength and resilience, immortalized through her dedication to her husband, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, and her prolific writing after his death. Her literary style, deeply personal and rich with the details of her extraordinary life on the Plains, captures the essence of the post-Civil War frontier military life. Among her most notable works, 'Boots and Saddles' (1885) is a vibrant account of her life with her husband, offering intimate insights into the daily existence of the cavalry's men and officers. It has been prized for its significant contribution to the understanding of both military and women's history. 'Tenting on the Plains' (1887) and 'Following the Guidon' (1890) continue the journey of her narrative prowess, illustrating the years she spent traversing the Great Plains and serving as a crucial primary source of the period. Not only did her work provide a personal portrayal of George Custer but it also served to shape his legendary status in history. Elizabeth's writing is characterized by an evocative storytelling approach that bridges the gaps between memoir, history, and myth-making. After living a life that spanned times of profound love, great adventure, and deep sorrow due to the untimely passing of her husband at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, Elizabeth Bacon Custer passed away on April 4, 1933, leaving behind a nuanced legacy that continues to captivate historians and literary enthusiasts alike.