Army of Central Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of Central Kentucky |
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Battle Flag of the Army of Kentucky
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| Active | September 18, 1861–March 29, 1862 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Type | Field army |
| Engagements | Battle of Belmont Battle of Fort Henry Battle of Fort Donelson |
| Disbanded | Incorporated into Army of the Mississippi March 29, 1862 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Simon B. Buckner Albert S. Johnston William J. Hardee |
The Army of Central Kentucky was a group of soldiers in the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. It was part of a larger military area called Department No. 2. This army was formed in the fall of 1861.
It was first known as the Army Corps of Central Kentucky. The army existed until March 1862. At that time, it joined with the Army of Mississippi. Later, this larger army became the Army of Tennessee.
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Why Was the Army of Central Kentucky Formed?
The Department No. 2, also called the Western Department, was created on June 25, 1861. It was led by Major General Leonidas Polk. This department controlled military actions in parts of several states. These states included Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Later, on September 2, 1861, the department grew bigger. It then included all of Arkansas and military actions in Missouri. By September 10, it expanded even more. It covered all of Arkansas, Tennessee, more of Mississippi, and all military actions in Kansas and Kentucky. It also included Missouri and any Native American lands that supported the Confederacy.
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Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner -
General Albert S. Johnston -
Lieutenant General William J. Hardee
Who Led the Army?
The Army of Central Kentucky had several important leaders. These generals helped guide the soldiers during battles.
Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner's Command
Brigadier General Simon B. Buckner took charge of the forces in central Kentucky in September 1861. Before this, he was a major general leading the Kentucky Militia. His forces were first set up into two main groups, plus a reserve group. Later, a third group led by Brigadier General John B. Floyd joined them.
When General Albert Sidney Johnston took overall command, Buckner still led a group within the Army of Central Kentucky. He fought at Bowling Green and Fort Donelson. At Fort Donelson, his forces had to surrender. After being released in August 1862, Buckner became a major general. He then led a group of these same soldiers in the Army of Mississippi.
General Albert S. Johnston's Command
General Albert S. Johnston led the Army of Central Kentucky from October 28, 1861, to March 29, 1862. For about two weeks in December, General Hardee temporarily took command. This army mostly operated in northern Tennessee and western Kentucky.
On December 26, 1861, part of another army, the Army of the Kanawha, joined them. By March 29, 1862, the Army of Central Kentucky had about 23,000 soldiers. It then merged into the Army of the Mississippi. This was done to prepare for the big Battle of Shiloh.
Major General William J. Hardee's Temporary Command
Major General William J. Hardee briefly led the army. He was in temporary command from December 4 to December 18, 1861.
See Also
