Army of West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of West Virginia |
|
|---|---|
| Active | August 9, 1864 – December 19, 1864 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Field Army |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Brig. Gen. George Crook Col. Thomas Harris Brig. Gen. Isaac Duval Col. Joseph Thoburn Col. J. Howard Kitching Col. Rutherford B. Hayes Brev. Maj. William McKinley |
The Army of West Virginia was a group of soldiers who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. This army was the main fighting force for the Department of West Virginia. They mostly fought in West Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley. Two future U.S. presidents, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley, were part of this army. They both served in the 23rd Ohio Infantry. After the fighting in the Shenandoah Valley ended, the Army of West Virginia was no longer officially called an army.
Contents
A New Army is Formed
Brigadier General George Crook was put in charge of the Department of West Virginia on July 25, 1864. Before taking this new role, Crook was leading another group called the Army of the Kanawha. When Crook officially took command on August 9, 1864, the soldiers under him were named the "Army of West Virginia."
How the Army Was Organized
The Army of West Virginia had three main parts called divisions. These divisions worked almost like a corps, which is a large military unit. They were part of Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's larger Army of the Shenandoah. People sometimes called this group the VIII Corps. However, it was different from the official VIII Corps, which was led by Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace. That group was guarding the B & O Railroad at the time. General Crook led the Army of West Virginia through the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. They fought in all the major battles during this time.
Key Leaders and Divisions
- The 1st Division was first led by Col. Joseph Thoburn. Sadly, he was killed in action at the Battle of Cedar Creek. After him, Col. Thomas M. Harris took command.
- The 2nd "Kanawha" Division was led by Col. Isaac H. Duval. He was wounded at the Third Winchester. Then, Col. Rutherford B. Hayes took over and led this division at the Battle of Cedar Creek.
- A special Provisional Division joined the army just before the Battle of Cedar Creek. This division was led by Colonel J. Howard Kitching. It had about 1,000 soldiers, including the 6th New York Heavy Artillery. Colonel Kitching was badly wounded at Cedar Creek and died the next year because of his injuries. Col. Wilhelm Heine then took his place.
The Army's End
On December 19, 1864, the fighting in the Shenandoah Valley was over. Because of this, the official name "Army of West Virginia" was no longer used. However, General Crook continued to lead the Department of West Virginia. Hayes' division stayed in the Department of West Virginia. But Thoburn's (now Harris') and Kitching's (now Heine's) divisions moved to join the Army of the James.
Commanders of the Army
- Major General Franz Sigel
- Major General David Hunter (May 21 – August 8, 1864)
- Major General George Crook (August 8 – December 19, 1864)
Major Battles They Fought
The Army of West Virginia took part in many important battles, including:
