Cedar Creek Union order of battle facts for kids
The Battle of Cedar Creek was an important fight during the American Civil War. This article helps you understand how the Union Army was organized during this battle. It lists the different units and their commanders. Knowing this helps us see how the Union forces were put together for the fight. The Confederate army's organization for this battle is listed in a separate article.
Contents
What Do the Abbreviations Mean?
When you read about armies, you often see abbreviations for ranks and other terms. Here’s what they mean in this article:
Military Ranks
- MG = Major General: A very high-ranking officer, usually in charge of a large group of soldiers called a corps or a major part of an army.
- BG = Brigadier General: A high-ranking officer, usually in charge of a brigade (several regiments).
- Col = Colonel: An officer in charge of a regiment (a large group of soldiers).
- Ltc = Lieutenant Colonel: An officer just below a Colonel, often second-in-command of a regiment.
- Maj = Major: An officer below a Lieutenant Colonel, often in charge of a battalion (a smaller group of soldiers within a regiment).
- Cpt = Captain: An officer in charge of a company (a smaller unit of soldiers).
Other Important Terms
- w = wounded: The soldier was hurt during the battle.
- mw = mortally wounded: The soldier was hurt so badly they later died from their injuries.
- k = killed: The soldier died during the battle.
The Union Army at Cedar Creek
The Union Army at Cedar Creek was led by Major General Philip Sheridan. His main force was called the Union Army of the Shenandoah.
Overall Command
- Major General Philip Sheridan, Commander of the Army of the Shenandoah
- Major General Horatio Wright, Second-in-Command
Escort Units
These smaller units helped protect the main commanders:
- 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry (a small part of the unit): Led by Maj Weidner H. Spera
- 6th U. S. Cavalry: Led by Cpt Ira W. Claffin
VI Corps
The VI Corps was a large part of the Union Army. It was led by several generals during the battle due to injuries.
- BG James B. Ricketts (w)
- BG George W. Getty
- MG Horatio Wright
Escort Unit
- 1st Michigan Cavalry, Company G: Led by Lieutenant William H. Wheeler
| Division | Brigade | Key Regiments and Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| First Division | 1st Brigade
|
* 4th New Jersey
|
| First Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery
|
| First Division | 3rd Brigade
|
* 37th Massachusetts
|
| Second Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 62nd New York
|
| Second Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 2nd Vermont
|
| Second Division | 3rd Brigade
|
* 1st Maine Veterans
|
| Third Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 14th New Jersey
|
| Third Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 6th Maryland
|
| Artillery Brigade | * 5th Maine Light Artillery (Battery E)
|
XIX Corps
The XIX Corps was another important part of the Union Army.
- BG William H. Emory, Commander
| Division | Brigade | Key Regiments and Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| First Division | 1st Brigade
|
* 29th Maine
|
| First Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 12th Connecticut
|
| First Division | 3rd Brigade
|
* 30th Maine
|
| First Division | Division Artillery | * New York Light Artillery, 5th Battery |
| Second Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 9th Connecticut (battalion)
|
| Second Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 13th Connecticut
|
| Second Division | 3rd Brigade
|
* 38th Massachusetts
|
| Second Division | 4th Brigade
|
* 8th Indiana
|
| Second Division | Division Artillery | * 1st Battery (A), Maine Light Artillery |
| Reserve Artillery
|
* 17th Battery, Indiana Light Artillery
|
Army of West Virginia (VIII Corps)
This army was also part of the Union forces at Cedar Creek.
- BG George Crook, Commander
| Division | Brigade | Key Regiments and Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| First Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 34th Massachusetts
|
| First Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 1st West Virginia
|
| First Division | 3rd Brigade
|
* 23rd Illinois
|
| Second Division | 1st Brigade
|
* 23rd Ohio
|
| Second Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 34th Ohio (battalion)
|
| Artillery | Artillery Brigade
|
* Battery L, 1st Ohio Light Artillery
|
| Provisional Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 6th New York Heavy Artillery
|
| Provisional Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 41st New York Infantry
|
Cavalry Corps
The Cavalry Corps was made up of soldiers who fought on horseback.
- BG Alfred T. A. Torbert, Commander
Escort Unit
- 1st Rhode Island: Led by Maj William H. Turner, jr.
| Division | Brigade | Key Regiments and Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| First Division | 1st Brigade
|
* 1st Michigan Cavalry
|
| First Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 4th New York Cavalry
|
| First Division | Reserve Brigade
|
* 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry
|
| Second Division
|
1st Brigade
|
* 8th Ohio Cavalry (detachment)
|
| Second Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 1st New York Cavalry
|
| Second Division | Division Artillery | * Battery L, 5th U.S. Artillery |
| Third Division | 1st Brigade | * 1st Connecticut Cavalry
|
| Third Division | 2nd Brigade
|
* 3rd Indiana Cavalry (two companies)
|
| Horse Artillery | * Batteries B & L, 2nd U.S. Artillery
|
