This previously unknown photo of Custer was taken in 1857 or 1858, making it the earliest known portrait of Custer in a West Point uniform. Also appearing in the photo is an unknown cadet in the middle and Hugh Judson Kilpatrick on the right. This portrait has been carefully researched. Digital face recognition or the electronic overlaying of known Custer photographs on this particular image indicated similar eye, nose and chin structure to support the research.


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