"They Died With Their Boots On" to play at theater movie originally premiered

Tonight at 8 pm. "They died with their boots on" will be shown at the River Raisin Center for the Performing Arts. According to David Ingall, assistant director of the Monroe County Historical Museum, the movie premiered at this same theater back in 1941.


Happy Historian note: American History magazine, February 2008 issue: Interesting read by Louis Kraft on Custer: The Truth Behind the Silver Screen Myth. He says: "In They Died With Their Boots On, Errol Flynn's Custer reflects the true essence of the controversial American legend in spite of the film's seriously flawed history."

Another interesting read in same issue: Autie & Libbie by Jeffry D. Wert. "George Custer's zealous pursuit of Elizabeth Bacon may have resembled a cavalry charge, but their 13-year marriage became a love story for the ages."

History Comes Alive: Walk where General George Armstrong Custer once walked

Yesterday, I finally did it. I took the General George Armstrong Custer walking tour throughout downtown Monroe, Michigan. The tour is something I've wanted to do since I ripped a map out of the Monroe Evening News way back in 2001. Although General Custer was born in Ohio, he moved to Monroe Michigan when still a boy. He attended school in Monroe, met and married Elizabeth Bacon Custer here. In between assignments at various Army posts until his death, he resided in Monroe after the Civil War.

A week ago, I saw a blip somewhere promoting this annual event known as Custer Week, now in its 9th year. I, however, had never heard of this event so my interest was piqued. Thursday was my day off from work and the weather was fabulous. 80 degrees in October in Michigan and sunny! Unbelieveable! So I ditched any other assignments I had and made the 20 minute drive south to Monroe.

Turns out 2001 Walking Tour map is outdated. Need to stop by Historical Museum and pick up a copy of "Traces of General George Armstrong Custer." This great little guide is FREE. So is the walking tour.

Anyway, I'm in a rush now. I will post pictures of walking tour and add details later. I have to get things done so I can attend weekend events which again I didn't know about until yesterday. On Saturday, re-enactors will enact General Custer's wedding. I have to see that. Weekend events include period music and period fireworks. Also, re-enactors from throughout US will appear portraying various Custer contemporaries. Will provide photos of event if I attend.

Remember, history is all around you,

Cordially,

Karin
The Happy Historian

Photo is where final memorial service for General Custer was held.