Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865

Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865 by Longacre, Edward. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780306813832.

George Armstrong Custer, who famously made his last stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, first achieved notoriety more than ten years earlier for his daring military exploits during the Civil War. Graduating (last in his class) in 1861 from West Point, he quickly joined the fighting, and went on to take part in nearly every major battle of the war. In 1863, he was promoted brigadier general-the youngest general in the Union army-and given charge of the Michigan cavalry brigade, which he dubbed "Wolverines."The Wolverines fought ferociously from 1863 to the end of the war under its flamboyant commander. Longacre covers in dramatic detail the brigades critical defense of the Union line at Gettysburg, and the brigades key role in surrounding Lees army at Appomattox. By wars end, the Wolverines had gained the respect and admiration of the entire Union army for its bravery, and the brigades famous red ties, emulating Custer, had become a well-known badge of pride and honor."A fine study of this famous command...a worthy addition to Longacres previous works."-Blue & Gray Magazine