Description

General George A. Custer’s 4th Personal Guidon (1865) – American Civil War Nylon Series Reproduction Flag

Historical Background

The General George A. Custer’s 4th Personal Guidon (1865) – American Civil War Nylon Series Reproduction Flag honors one of the most recognized command banners in Union cavalry history. During the closing months of the war, General George Armstrong Custer carried this red-over-white swallow-tailed guidon, symbolizing courage and peace as his division pursued the final Confederate armies. Hand-sewn by his wife, Elizabeth “Libbie” Custer, this personal flag replaced his earlier red-over-blue headquarters guidon. It flew proudly through the last campaigns of 1865 and reportedly remained in the Custer family for decades after Appomattox.

Design Features

This 3′×5′ swallow-tailed guidon displays a red upper field and white lower field, divided horizontally to represent valor above peace. At the center, a pair of crossed cavalry sabres appears in contrasting gray, denoting the U.S. Army’s mounted branch. The simple, powerful design reflected Custer’s leadership style—direct, daring, and instantly recognizable to his men. Unlike standard regimental colors, this flag served as a personal headquarters banner, guiding his cavalry columns during the war’s final drives across Virginia.

Expertly Crafted in the United States

Each flag in the American Civil War Nylon Series is proudly made in the USA from premium all-weather nylon that delivers brilliant color and long-lasting durability. A canvas heading with solid brass grommets reinforces strength for both indoor and outdoor display. Every flag in the series is FMAA-certified, guaranteeing authentic American workmanship through the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA). Consequently, this reproduction honors the same spirit of excellence and pride that defined Custer’s legendary cavalry command.

Explore More Historical and Civil War Flags

Expand your collection by visiting our complete line of Historical and Civil War Flags. Each reproduction combines careful research with expert craftsmanship to preserve America’s military heritage. Collectors, historians, and educators alike can display these flags to commemorate the courage that shaped the nation.

Learn More About Custer and His Guidons

To study the history of General Custer’s personal guidons, visit Peter Loeser’s Custer Flag Notes. His detailed research outlines each of Custer’s four known guidons, from the early silk Stars and Stripes through the final red-over-white design created in 1865. The account illustrates how this final flag symbolized not only victory but the dawn of peace.