Comparing George with George (Custer, that is)
Driving from workshops in Norman to my next presentations in Goodwell (a 6 hour drive) I traveled through Fort Supply. If you are not from Oklahoma you may not know that the town was first referred to as “Camp Supply,” the place from which the infamous George Armstrong Custer launched his “first stand.” In November of 1868 the Seventh Regiment of the US Cavalry left Camp Supply and traveled south to Black Kettle’s village on the banks of the Washita River. The brash, glory-seeking Lieutenant Colonel Custer and his troops killed more than 100 men, women and children, including Black Kettle. Custer also ordered the shooting of over 800 Native American ponies—so much slaughter occurred that some refer to this episode as the “day the river ran red with blood.” George Washington and George Custer were opposites. Although both men were military leaders, Washington was always concerned with his troops, while Custer thought of only of himself. Washington’s courage, honor, and trustworthiness led him to the presidency. Although he coveted the executive office, Custer’s recklessness, self-promotion, and unreliability led him down the path to his “last stand.” Maybe, by comparing these two men, students of today could better understand the greatness of an outstanding leader—-General George Washington.
Note: I think Washington would have preferred the Cheyenne Chief, Black Kettle, who is still honored as a prominent leader who never ceased striving for peace.
Some information for this article was taken from: http://www.nps.gov/archive/waba/home.htm
