Penn Township near Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Custer at Hanover
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, January 26, 2008
1. Custer at Hanover Marker
This painting by Civil war artist Dale Gallon is one of four paintings featuring Civil War weapons.
George Armstrong Custer had been promoted from Captain to Brigadier General on June 28, 1863, and been given command of the Michigan Brigade, which consisted of the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan cavalry regiments. Custer is shown commanding his men during the fighting with Major General "Jeb" Stuart's men in Hanover on June 30, 1863.
The description of the uniform worn by General Custer was provided by Captain James H. Kidd, Commander of Company E, 6th Michigan Cavalry. Captain Kidd is shown on the left holding binoculars.
The men of Company E are shown armed with the Army model 1860 Spencer rifle. This lever action repeater fired a .52 caliber rim fire cartridge and was accurate at 300 yards. A well-trained soldier could fire seven aimed shots in 30 seconds.
"...Looking back to see whence it came, my eyes were instantly riveted upon a figure only a few feet distant, whose appearance amazed if it did not for the moment amuse me. At first, I thought he might be a staff officer, conveying the commands of his chief. But it was at once apparent that he was giving orders, not delivering them, and that he was in command of the line."
- Captain James H. Kidd, upon seeing General Custer for
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Battle of Hanover Walking Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 47.6′ N, 76° 59.495′ W. Marker was near Hanover, Pennsylvania, in York County. It was in Penn Township. Marker was at the intersection of Frederick Street (Pennsylvania Route 194) and Stuart Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Frederick Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 511 Frederick St, Hanover PA 17331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Stuart's Fruitless Odyssey (here, next to this marker); Battle of Hanover (here, next to this marker); The Confederates Invade Pennsylvania (a few steps from this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (a few steps from this marker); J.E.B. Stuart's Jump (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanover (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Forney Farms (approx. ¼ mile away); Heroics of the Union Cavalry (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Shane Oliver, August 28, 2021
2. Custer at Hanover Marker
Marker is significantly weathered and is partially unreadable.
Photographed By Henry T. McLin, June 25, 2017
3. The Custer at Hanover Marker is to the right of the other marker.
Photographed By Henry T. McLin, June 25, 2017
4. Custer at Hanover Marker is on the right looking Southwest on Frederick Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,049 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 8, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on July 2, 2017, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania.
