Mar

23

Posted by Karin

For years I’ve passed by the statue of George Armstrong Custer on the way to visit my sister, Liz, and her family who live on North Custer Road. When stopped by the red light at Elm and Monroe Streets, I’d sit there and admire the statue. Curiously, I always wondered, What is Custer’s real connection to Monroe anyway? 

Since I never heard anyone speak of it, I assumed the connection was tenuous at best. Perhaps he lived there for two years as a toddler, or passed through on military assignment, etc.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I, a former history teacher, wasn’t inquisitive enough to pursue this question once I pulled away from the traffic light.

Then, last October (through sheer luck as I don’t live in Monroe) I stumbled upon a Monroe Evening News article promoting the 9th annual Custer Week Celebration underway that week. 

The timing was perfect. It was Thursday, and I had the day off from work. Also, if you recall, the weather last October was fabulous. Sunny and 80 degrees!

Hmm. Should I spend one of the last beautiful days of the year running mundane errands or exploring Monroe’s history?

I opted for the latter, hopped in my car and set out to answer the question that has plagued me for years.

My trip to Monroe during Custer Week was amazing. I discovered impressive and rare Civil War era artifacts belonging to President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee and Custer on display at the Monroe County Historical Museum. These artifacts were on loan from prominent public and private collections across the country.

Personal artifacts from his life in Monroe were interesting as well. Exhibits included an invitation to his bachelor party and the headstone of one of his beloved horses.

History came alive when I took a walking tour of Monroe. Armed with a copy of Traces of Custer obtained from the museum, I visited numerous sites pertaining to Custer such as Martin’s Shoes (still in operation) where the General purchased boots and shoes, the First Presbyterian Church where George and Libbie exchanged wedding vows, and the Custer plot at Woodland Cemetery where Custer’s parents, brother and nephew are buried.

Amazingly, while the businesses have changed, many buildings and streets from Custer’s time still exist. Although I wasn’t able to participate in the extensive weekend activities, I left Monroe excited. Despite the fact I’m no longer a history teacher, somehow I wanted to make teachers aware of this great opportunity to use local history to inspire kids and get them enthusiastic about our country’s history. 

The opportunity to inform teachers presented itself when I was asked to join the 2008 Custer Celebration Programs Committee as educational coordinator. So teachers, save the dates – Friday, October 3 – Saturday, October 11. You won’t want your students to miss this exciting living history event!This year, the Monroe’s Custer Week Celebration is even bigger and better.

Guest speakers include Ernie LaPointe, Sitting Bull’s great-grandson, and Dakota Goodhouse, chief of interpretation at Fort Abraham Lincoln. While many events are scheduled on weekends and weekday evenings, special weekday programs are being planned specifically for school groups.

Details to be posted here soon.   


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  1. Monroe’s Custer Celebration » Welcome to Monroe’s Custer Celebration Blog! on March 22, 2008 7:43 pm

    [...] Teachers, Save the Dates! Custer Week Celebration - Exciting Living History Event [...]

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