Confederate Army of the Northwest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of the Northwest |
|
|---|---|
| Active | June 8, 1861–February 9, 1862 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Engagements | Battle of Rich Mountain Battle of Corrick's Ford Battle of Cheat Mountain |
| Disbanded | Incorporated into Army of Northern Virginia February 9, 1862 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Robert S. Garnett † Henry R. Jackson William W. Loring Edward Johnson |
The Army of the Northwest was a group of soldiers who fought for the Confederate States during the early part of the American Civil War. This army was active for about eight months, from June 1861 to February 1862. It played a role in some important early battles in what is now West Virginia.
Contents
What Was the Army of the Northwest?
The Army of the Northwest was one of the first armies formed by the Confederate States. The Confederate States were the southern states that separated from the United States. This happened before and during the American Civil War.
Forming the Army
On June 8, 1861, Confederate soldiers in northwestern Virginia were officially named the "Army of the Northwest." Their first leader was Robert S. Garnett, who was a Brigadier General. A Brigadier General is a high-ranking officer in the army.
Early Battles and Challenges
General Garnett's army soon faced soldiers from the Union. The Union was the northern states that stayed part of the United States. These battles happened in the summer of 1861.
The Battle of Rich Mountain
One of the main fights was the Battle of Rich Mountain. In this battle, General Garnett's army was defeated. This means they lost the fight.
The Battle of Corrick's Ford
After the defeat at Rich Mountain, Union soldiers chased the Army of the Northwest. On July 13, 1861, they caught up at a place called Corrick's Ford. During this fight, General Garnett was killed. He was the first general to die in the American Civil War.
New Leaders and Changes
After General Garnett's death, the Army of the Northwest had new commanders.
Henry R. Jackson's Short Command
For a short time, Henry R. Jackson, another Brigadier General, led the army.
William W. Loring Takes Charge
Then, on July 20, William W. Loring became the new commander. He was also a Brigadier General. General Loring led the army until November 1861.
The Romney Expedition
Later, some parts of the Army of the Northwest joined with another famous group of soldiers. This was the Stonewall Brigade, led by Stonewall Jackson. They worked together on a mission called the Romney Expedition.
The Army Disbands
The Army of the Northwest was officially ended on February 9, 1862. Its soldiers became part of a larger army called the Army of Northern Virginia.
Another "Army of the Northwest"
Even after the first Army of the Northwest was gone, another group of soldiers started using the same name.
Edward Johnson's Force
This was a smaller group led by Edward Johnson, another Brigadier General. His soldiers fought in the northern Shenandoah Valley.
The "Army of the Allegheny"
After fighting in the Battle of Camp Allegheny, General Johnson's group became known as the "Army of the Allegheny." General Johnson himself earned the nickname "Allegheny" because of his command of this force.
