"Garryowen" is an old Irish quick-step that can be traced back to the early 1860s. As the story goes, one of the Irish troopers of the 7th Cavalry, was singing the song. By chance General Custer heard the melody, liked the cadence, and soon began to hum the tune himself.
The tune has a lively beat, that accentuates the cadence of marching horses, and for that reason was adopted as the regimental song soon after Custer arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas to take command of the 7th Cavalry Regiment.
It was the last song played for Custer's men as they separated from the main force and rode their way into history. |
