NOV 13: Custer Becomes Chief of Cavalry

Maj. General George A. Custer becomes Chief of Cavalry of the Department of Texas on Nov. 13, 1865. He succeeds Maj. General Wesley Merritt and is the federal military commander for the region.

Custer astride a horse in Texas in 1865. (Credit: Library of Congress)

Custer was originally assigned to Texas as part of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan’s effort to prevent Confederate retrenchment into Mexico to join the forces of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. During his 2-1/2 month stay, Custer and wife Libbie resided in a two-story, Italianate-style residence in Austin. Custer reportedly alienated many in his command by strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting foraging, lawlessness, and destruction of private property. He served in the role from November 1865 until mustering out of the Volunteers on February 1, 1866.