Army of the Frontier facts for kids

The Army of the Frontier was a Union army. It fought for the North during the Civil War. This army was active in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. This area included parts of Arkansas, Indian Territory, and Kansas. The Army of the Frontier fought in several smaller battles. In June 1863, the army was ended. However, many of its soldiers then formed the District of the Frontier.

History of the Army of the Frontier

The Army of the Frontier was created on October 12, 1862. It was made up of soldiers from the District of Southwest Missouri. General John M. Schofield was the first leader of this army. Before this, his group was called the Army of Southwestern Missouri.

At its biggest, the Army of the Frontier had three main groups, called divisions. These divisions were led by James G. Blunt, James Totten, and Francis J. Herron.

Early Battles and Leadership Changes

Units from the army, mostly Blunt's 1st Division, fought in several small battles. The Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862 was a very important moment for the army. During this time, General Schofield was sick in St. Louis. General Blunt took over as the temporary leader of the army. Colonel Daniel Huston, Jr. temporarily led the 2nd Division. Both the 2nd and 3rd Divisions were then put under General Herron's command.

General Herron became the main commander in March 1863. In May, the army's 2nd Division, led by William Vandever, fought in the Battle of Chalk Bluff. They fought against a Confederate attack led by John S. Marmaduke. The Army of the Frontier was officially ended on June 5, 1863. However, some soldiers formed "Herron's Division." They were sent to help in the Siege of Vicksburg.

Commanders of the Army of the Frontier

• General John M. Schofield (October 12, 1862 – November 20, 1862)
• General James G. Blunt (November 20, 1862 – December 29, 1862)
• General John M. Schofield (December 29, 1862 – March 30, 1863)
• General Francis J. Herron (March 30, 1863 – June 5, 1863)

Major Battles of the Army of the Frontier

• Battle of Old Fort Wayne (Only Blunt's 1st Division was involved)
• Battle of Prairie Grove (General Blunt was in charge of the battle)
• Battle of Chalk Bluff (Only Vandever's 2nd Division was involved)
• Siege of Vicksburg (As "Herron's Division, XIII Corps")

District of the Frontier

On June 6, 1863, the remaining soldiers in Arkansas and the Indian Territory were reorganized. They formed the District of the Frontier. General Blunt was put in charge. This district was part of the Department of the Missouri. It covered the Indian Territory, western Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and southern Kansas.

Battles of the District of the Frontier

With soldiers from this district, General Blunt won the Battle of Honey Springs in 1863. However, he lost a battle at Baxter Springs later that year. Blunt was removed from command in January 1864.

At the same time, the District of the Frontier was divided. The Indian Territory and Fort Smith, Arkansas, became the District of the Frontier in the Department of Kansas. Colonel William R. Judson was put in charge. The areas in Arkansas became the District of the Frontier in the Department of Arkansas. General John Milton Thayer was put in charge there. Thayer's soldiers joined the VII Corps during the Camden Expedition. They were called the "Frontier Division."

Later Changes and Discontinuation

On February 23, 1864, General Blunt replaced Judson. He again commanded the District of the Frontier in the Department of Kansas. Blunt commanded until April 17, when his district was ended. Fort Smith was moved to Thayer's district. The rest of the Indian Territory was divided among other districts. Thayer's District of the Frontier continued until February 1, 1865, when it was also ended.

Commanders of the District of the Frontier

• General James G. Blunt (June 9, 1863 – January 6, 1864)
• Colonel William R. Judson (January 6, 1864 – February 23, 1864)
• General James G. Blunt (February 23, 1864 – April 17, 1864)
• General John Thayer (January 6, 1864 – February 1865)

Major Battles of the District of the Frontier

• Battle of Honey Springs (Blunt's district)
• Camden Expedition (Thayer's district)