George and Libbie Custer in their home at Fort Lincoln, Dakota Territory, ca. 1874-1876 (Beinecke Rare Book Manuscript Library, Yale University).A comment made by Noelani on a 2009 post of Libbie Custer triggered me to find some more photo's of Elizabeth Clift Bacon Custer (1842-1933), wife of George 'Last Stand at Litte Big Horn' Custer. The photo at the top shows the couple in their home at Fort Abraham Lincoln. The portrait on the wall on the left is of George Custer in his Civil War uniform; the one on the right is of his friend and benefactor General Sheridan.
Libbie Custer (Februari 1864, Library of Congress).
Libbie Custer (January 1865, National Archives.).
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I saw a documentary on Custer not long ago. Libbie spent much of her later life promoting and re-working the legend of Custer, who was ruthless and egomaniacal but not quite as crazed as depicted in the movie Little Big Man.
ReplyDeleteLibbie was very beautiful, and I like how she is sitting in the light from the window in the shot in the room. The room looks to be an unusual shape.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little curious who did the decorating in the home. Did Libbie have more of a manly style or did Col. Custer hang a portrait of himself?
ReplyDeleteI like the owl (or eagle or whatever large bird it is).
DeleteLibbie was very attractive - in the first photo you can see what a tiny waist she had. From reading the comments I gather she never remarried after Custer's death.
ReplyDeleteThat's one worryingly tiny waist indeed.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am looking for as much information as I can on Libbie and her family. I am related to her and am trying to find out as much as I can. I'm not yet sure how I fit in but any information anyone has I would be very grateful! My email: Mamasoxfan@yahoo.com
REad Boots and Saddles and None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead. Two great books on Libbie. I love reading of the Custers too.
DeleteThanx!
DeleteI would like to know where Libby got her Clift name from? I had lived in Monroe for 5 years as a teen and later moved to Colorado. My mothers maiden name is Clift. Curious :)
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