Army of Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of Virginia |
|
|---|---|
| Active | June 26, 1862 – September 12, 1862 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Field Army |
| Engagements | Battle of Cedar Mountain Second Battle of Bull Run |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Maj. Gen. John Pope |
The Army of Virginia was a big group of soldiers that fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War in 1862. It was active for only a short time and didn't have much success. It's important not to confuse it with the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, which was its main enemy.
Contents
History of the Army of Virginia
The Army of Virginia was created on June 26, 1862. It was formed by combining four smaller military groups that were already operating in Virginia. These groups were led by Major Generals John C. Frémont, Irvin McDowell, and Nathaniel P. Banks, along with a brigade from Washington D.C.
Major General John Pope was chosen to lead this new army. It started with three main parts, called corps, and had over 50,000 soldiers. Later, three more corps from another Union army, the Army of the Potomac, joined them for battles.
Some politicians in the government wanted the Army of Virginia to help expand the goals of the war. They hoped this army would push harder for the end of slavery and change the way of life in the Southern states. Many of the army's leaders believed strongly in ending slavery.
Key Battles and Defeats
One part of the Army of Virginia, led by General Banks, fought against Confederate General Stonewall Jackson at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. The Union soldiers started well, but a strong counterattack by Confederate General A. P. Hill led to their defeat.
The entire Army of Virginia faced a major defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run. They fought against Confederate forces led by Generals Jackson, Longstreet, and Robert E. Lee. After this loss, the Union army had to retreat to the safety of Washington, D.C..
On September 12, 1862, the Army of Virginia was officially ended. Its soldiers and units were combined into the Army of the Potomac. The Army of Virginia was never formed again after that.
Who Led the Army?
- Major General John Pope (from June 26 to September 12, 1862)
How the Army Was Organized
The Army of Virginia was divided into several main groups called corps. Each corps had a number.
Original Corps
- I Corps, Army of Virginia: Led by Franz Sigel. This corps later became the XI Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
- II Corps, Army of Virginia: Led by Nathaniel Banks. This corps later became the XII Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
- III Corps, Army of Virginia: Led by Irvin McDowell. This corps later went back to being the I Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
- Cavalry Brigade: Led by George Bayard. This was a smaller group of soldiers who rode horses.
Corps That Joined Later
During the Northern Virginia Campaign, some corps from the Army of the Potomac joined the Army of Virginia for battles:
- III Corps, Army of the Potomac; led by Samuel P. Heintzelman
- V Corps, Army of the Potomac; led by Fitz John Porter
- IX Corps, Army of the Potomac; led by Jesse L. Reno
- Reynolds's Division; led by John F. Reynolds (this was a special group called the Pennsylvania Reserves)
Main Battles Fought
- Battle of Cedar Mountain – Only the II Corps of the Army of Virginia was involved in this fight.
- Second Battle of Bull Run – The entire Army of Virginia fought in this major battle.
- Battle of Chantilly – While mostly fought by other Union troops, some parts of the Army of Virginia were also involved.
Images for kids
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General Pope's headquarters during the Battle of Cedar Mountain.
See also
In Spanish: Ejército de Virginia para niños
