In 1864, Custer married Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon, a woman from a prominent social background who became the central figure in his personal world. Their marriage was marked by intense mutual devotion, though it was not without strain, fueled by Custer’s high-pressure career and his volatility. Libbie was more than a spouse; she was his greatest advocate and, after his death, his protector. While their public image was that of a storybook couple, Custer’s professional relationships were often volatile, as his arrogance and refusal to brook disagreement earned him as many enemies within the military ranks as he had admirers in the public.