Custer was very vain. He was personally brave and was a daredevil and was widely respected by friends and foes. Like many other Cavalry officers’, he liked to appear dashing and handsome. The Cavalry were perceived to be the most glamorous part of the military and the individual cavalry officers believed that they had to appear dashing and well-dressed. However, Custer was even by the standards of the time was vain. He was very conscious of his appearance and he made sure that his blonde and wavy hair became his trademark. Custer made sure that his hair was well-kept and cut and it is commonly believed that he had his hair scented. Many regard Custer as deliberately cultivating a public image in a bid to win fame and popularity.
Many have seen Custer as simply vain and shallow. However, many believe that Custer sought to have a positive public image in order to further his career in the military. Moreover, he was keen to have the public on his side, in order to possibly win support for a future career in politics. The image of Custer was very well-known during and after the Civil War.
