Army of the Kanawha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of the Kanawha |
|
|---|---|
| Active | June 6, 1861–December 26, 1861 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Engagements | Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes Battle of Carnifex Ferry |
| Disbanded | Incorporated into Army of Central Kentucky December 26, 1861 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Henry A. Wise John B. Floyd |
The Army of the Kanawha was a small army that fought for the Confederate States during the early part of the American Civil War. It was active in 1861.
The Army of the Kanawha
Confederate soldiers in the important Kanawha River valley of western Virginia were called the "Army of the Kanawha". This name was used after they were placed under the command of Henry A. Wise on June 6, 1861. Wise had been the Governor of Virginia before the war.
New Leaders and Challenges
On August 11, John B. Floyd took command. He was also a former Virginia governor and had been the United States Secretary of War. Floyd wanted to get more people to join the army. However, Wise and Floyd did not get along. This made it hard for Floyd to fully control the soldiers at first.
What Happened Next?
The disagreements between the commanders caused problems during the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Because of this, the Confederate Secretary of War, Judah P. Benjamin, ordered Wise to leave. Floyd then led the force, which was about the size of a brigade. Later, Floyd was sent to fight in the Western Theater.
In late December 1861, the "Army" became part of the 3rd division of the Army of Central Kentucky. Even though the Army of the Kanawha no longer existed by name, its soldiers fought bravely at Fort Donelson. After the Confederates surrendered there, the remaining soldiers eventually joined the Army of Mississippi. They later fought in the Battle of Shiloh.
How Many Soldiers?
By the end of May 1861, Colonels John McCausland and Christopher Q. Tompkins had gathered almost 1,000 men. These men were at Kanawha Court House in Kanawha County. Tompkins organized the 1st Kanawha regiment from these men. This unit was later known as the 22nd Virginia Infantry. McCausland organized the 2nd Kanawha regiment, which became the 36th Virginia Infantry.
By July 8, General Henry A. Wise had about 2,600 men in Charleston. This included the 1st and 2nd Kanawha regiments, a Kanawha battalion, seven independent groups of infantry, and three groups of mounted rangers. Soon after, more soldiers joined, bringing his total to about 4,000 men. They also had ten small pieces of artillery (cannons).
In August 1861, about 300 more men joined from Boone and Logan counties. These men formed the 3rd Kanawha regiment, which later became the 60th Virginia Infantry. It was led by Colonel Beuhring H. Jones.
