Army of the Trans-Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trans-Mississippi Army |
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| Active | September 28, 1862 - May 26, 1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Role | Field army |
The Army of the Trans-Mississippi was an important army for the Confederate States during the American Civil War. It was part of the larger Trans-Mississippi Department. This army was the very last major Confederate group to give up. They surrendered on May 26, 1865. This was one month after General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered in the eastern United States.
Contents
What Was the Trans-Mississippi Army?
The Trans-Mississippi Department was a special military area. It was created on May 26, 1862. This area included the Confederate states west of the Mississippi River. These states were Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It also included Missouri, where there was fighting. Two Confederate territories were also part of it. These were the Indian Territory and Confederate Arizona. Today, these areas are mostly Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Who Led This Area?
Major-General Theophilus H. Holmes was the first leader of this department. The Trans-Mississippi area was a place where many smaller, independent groups operated. These included groups like Quantrill's Raiders. They were known for their guerrilla warfare.
Key Moments in the Army's History
When it first started, the Army of the Trans-Mississippi had over 50,000 soldiers. By the end of the war, fewer than 43,000 soldiers were still active.
Major Campaigns and Battles
The army took part in several big military actions:
- Sibley's New Mexico campaign: This was an effort to take over parts of the Southwest.
- Banks' Red River campaign: A Union effort to control the Red River.
- Price's Missouri campaign: A Confederate attempt to regain control of Missouri.
The very last battle of the Civil War happened here. It was the Battle of Palmito Ranch. This battle was fought on May 12–13, 1865. Units from the Army of the Trans-Mississippi fought in it.
The Final Surrender
General Edmund Kirby Smith was the commander of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi. He surrendered to the Union forces on May 26, 1865. Many of his soldiers had already left the army by then. The very last Confederate force to surrender was part of this army. It was the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles. Brigadier-General Stand Watie led this group. He surrendered on June 23, 1865.
How the Army Was Organized
The Army of the Trans-Mississippi was divided into different parts, called corps.
- Trans-Mississippi Army, I Corps
- This corps was based in Shreveport, Louisiana.
- It was led by Simon Bolivar Buckner.
- Trans-Mississippi Army, II Corps
- This corps was formed on August 4, 1864.
- It was led by John B. Magruder.
- Trans-Mississippi Army, III Corps
- This corps was based in Galveston, Texas.
- It was formed on August 4, 1864.
- It was led by John George Walker.
- Trans-Mississippi Army, Cavalry Corps
- This corps focused on cavalry (soldiers on horseback).
- It was formed on August 4, 1864.
- It was led by Sterling Price.
- Trans-Mississippi Army, Reserve Corps
- This corps was created on September 10, 1864.
- Its job was to support the main Trans-Mississippi Army.
