Custer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1896)
The poem tells the story of George Armstrong Custer's last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn from a sympathetic perspective. It portrays Custer as a heroic figure who knowingly rides to his death, surrounded by his loyal soldiers. The poem emphasizes Custer's bravery and patriotism, describing him as a martyr who dies for his country.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Biographical · 10,448 words
First lines
BOOK FIRST
I. All valor died not on the plains of Troy. Awake, my Muse, awake! be thine the joy To sing of deeds as dauntless and as brave As e'er lent luster to a warrior's grave. Sing of that noble soldier, nobler man, Dear to the heart of each American. Sound forth his praise from sea to listening sea -- Greece her Achilles claimed, immortal Custer, we.
What this Textopian page supports
Custer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Biographical, War, American Literature
- Length: 10,448 words
- Structure: 1 section, 111 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The book is primarily composed of poetic verses.
- Historical — The content revolves around historical events and figures.
- Biographical — The narrative focuses on the life and experiences of a specific historical figure.
- War — Themes of battle and conflict are central to the work.
Tags
American History · Biography · Military · War · Battle · Native American · Colonialism · Imperialism · Tragedy · Heroism · Leadership · Strategy