Historical Figures Who Lived Long Enough to Be Photographed (5 of 6)
This photo, taken in 1860, shows George Armstrong Custer (born in 1839) before he grew his famous mustache. His life was defined by defeat: He graduated at the bottom of his class at the United States Military Academy, and then went on to be known as a “foolish” cavalry officer whose tactical abilities remain in doubt to this day. He is best known for his spectacular defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn, during which he was killed. This event is known today as Custer’s Last Stand.