Department of Arkansas (United States) facts for kids
The Department of the Arkansas was a special military area set up by the United States Army during the American Civil War. It helped the Union Army manage its forces and control land in Arkansas.
What Was the Department of Arkansas?
The Department of the Arkansas was like a military district. It was created to help the Union Army control parts of Arkansas that they had taken over during the American Civil War. This made it easier to organize soldiers and plan military actions in that area.
How It Started
The Department of the Arkansas officially began on January 6, 1864. At first, it included all the parts of Arkansas that the Union Army controlled, except for a place called Fort Smith. However, Fort Smith was added to the department a few months later, on April 17, 1864. This department was also closely connected to the 7th Army Corps, which was a large group of Union soldiers.
Who Was in Charge?
The leaders of the Department of the Arkansas were important generals.
- Frederick Steele was the first commander. He led the department from January 6, 1864, until December 22, 1864.
- After him, Joseph J. Reynolds took command. He was in charge from December 22, 1864, until August 1, 1865.
