Civil War activities scheduled during Custer celebration

FPS staff report
May 27, 2011

General George A. Custer will return to his hometown June 4 in conjunction with the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

A program “Custer, the Civil War General” will be presented at the Custer Day Celebration in New Rumley.  The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Custer Monument and moves to the Custer Museum and Center on SR 646. 

The celebration opens at 11 a.m. with flag raising by the 6th Ohio Cavalry.  Music will be provided by the Harrison Central High School Band.  An invocation, opening remarks and the presentation of wreaths will follow.  Cavalry demonstrations are planned behind the Custer monument in the park and begin at 11:30 a.m.

Sgt. Steve Ball will perform with an authentic 1860 Martin 2-20 guitar.  His program “Lessons on the Civil War Through Music” begins at noon in the New Rumley United Methodist Church sanctuary.

General George A. Custer, portrayed by living historian, Rick Williams, will speak at the museum at 1:30 p.m. with closing remarks at 2:30 p.m.  Custer will discuss his early military years at West Point and the first two years of the Civil War.

Born Dec. 5, 1839, in New Rumley, Gen. George Armstrong Custer became one of the most controversial military leaders in the history of the United States.   Following graduation from West Point, Custer served the Union Army during the Civil War attaining the rank of Brevet General.  A statue and historical markers are located in the park in New Rumley dedicated to Custer.

The 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry began in the 1960s.  The current group of living historians is required to wear and use only Civil War regulation uniforms, weapons and tack.  They practice 19th century Civil War Cavalry tactics. 

Food will be available for purchase at the New Rumley United Methodist Church.  “Custard’s Last Stand,” the Scio Ruritans ice cream stand will be on the grounds.  The Custer Museum and Gift Shop will open at 10 a.m.  Civil War and Custer related collectibles will be available for purchase along with DVDs from Civil War presenter Harold George.

For more information, contact Charles Conrad at 740-945-6415 or Dave Rose at 740-945-3744.

More Civil War 150th Anniversary Websites