Annual event honoring Monroe, Michigan’s most famous resident General George Armstrong Custer, a Civil War hero and America’s most controversial historical icon, runs Friday, October 3 to Saturday, October 11, 2008.
Visit historic Monroe County and enjoy an exciting living history experience that draws visitors from all across the nation as well as throughout the world.
Attend presentations by prominent historians and guest speakers such as Ernie LaPointe, great-grandson of Chief Sitting Bull; Dakota Goodhouse, chief of interpretation at North Dakota’s Fort Abraham Lincoln; Lee Chambers, author, Fort Abraham Lincoln and Chris Kull, chief archivist at Monroe County Historical Museum.
Meet major historical figures including General Custer, Buffalo Bill, Russia’s Grand Duke Alexis, Mark Twain, etc. as renowned living historians bring these characters to life.
View first-class exhibits of rare Custer era artifacts on loan from leading national private and public collections displayed at the Monroe County Historical Museum. The museum houses one of the largest exhibits of Custer artifacts.
Stroll through the streets of downtown Monroe and walk where the General once walked. Visit the church where Custer wed Elizabeth (Libbie) Bacon, the shoe store (still in business) where he purchased his boots, the restored home where he and Libbie once lived and the church where the final memorial service was held to honor Custer, his brothers, nephew and other Monroe men killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Tour Woodland Cemetery and view the Custer family plot where Custer’s parents, brothers, sister and nephew are buried.
Revel in period family amusements throughout the week such as concerts in the park, contra dancing demonstrations, fireworks, and a buffalo burger reception. Attend a grand ball. Friday evening’s concert and fireworks features a special performance by The 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard along with Generations of Sound.
Come to the General’s Home of Monroe, MI where history lives! Presented by the Monroe County Historical Society, most events are free of charge! For further information, visit: http://blogsmonroe.com/
