Custer House

The Custer House is a short walk across the street from the two museums.  The building you will visit was constructed of native limestone in 1855 and is the only surviving example of officer’s quarters from that period of Fort Riley’s development.  Rank and seniority dictated which specific set of quarters an officer and his family would occupy during each assignment, and although George and Elizabeth Custer did not live in these quarters when they were stationed at Fort Riley in 1866 – 1867, the Custer House does recall those times.  During that period candles and kerosene lamps provided light and the furnishings were the type of factory made furniture and appliances, often ordered by catalogue and delivered by wagon or rail, that are currently on display.  The various rooms have been decorated in styles ranging from the Civil War period until 1910, bringing the fashions of the East to a frontier army post.  Formal dinners were a favorite entertainment when the best china, glassware, and silverware were on display.  Holidays and birthdays were important family celebrations and attending religious services was a routine observance.  Life at Fort Riley during those early days also included a number of harsh realities.  A variety of diseases could quickly bring an unexpected passing and the husbands and fathers of the families living in these quarters routinely campaigned against the hostile tribes where injury and death was always possible.  Visiting the Custer House is an excellent way to learn more about how officers and their families lived when Fort Riley was home to army units whose mission was to protect the pioneers heading west and the merchants who were supplying goods and services to those early settlers. 

Hours of operation

Once renovations are complete and the museums are open hours of operation will be:

Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend                                                                                 
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm                                                                                     
Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm                    

Following the Labor Day Weekend the Custer House will be open on weekends through September, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays.

There is no entrance fee for the Custer House.