First Corps, Army of Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Corps, Army of Tennessee |
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The Polk pattern battle flag
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| Active | 1862 – 1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Role | Headquarters |
| Size | Corps |
| Part of | Army of Tennessee |
| Nickname(s) |
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| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Disbanded | April 26, 1865 |
| Commanders | |
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The First Corps, Army of Tennessee was an important military group during the American Civil War. It was part of the larger Army of Tennessee. People often called it by the names of its main leaders: Polk's Corps, Cheatham's Corps, or Hardee's Corps. This group played a big role in many battles from 1862 to 1865.
How the Corps Was Formed
The First Corps was created from different parts of the Confederate army. These soldiers came from a special area called Department No. 2. This department was in charge of protecting the land between the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. Some troops from the Army of Mississippi also joined this new corps.
Key Moments in History
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Lieutenant-General Leonidas Polk was the first main commander of the corps. He led the group from November 1862 to September 1863. He was in charge during important battles like Stones River (late 1862 to early 1863) and Chickamauga (September 1863). These battles were part of the Tennessee Campaign.
Major-General Benjamin F. Cheatham took command of the corps several times. He was often in charge for short periods. His longest time as commander was from September 1864 to February 1865. Major-General Patrick Cleburne also led the corps for a very short time in August 1864.
Lieutenant-General William J. Hardee also commanded the corps four different times. He was in charge for long periods, especially from December 1863 to August 1864. His last time leading the corps was from February to April 1865. On April 26, 1865, the First Corps, along with the rest of the Army of Tennessee, surrendered. This happened when General Joseph E. Johnston gave up his army.
How the Corps Changed
Over time, the First Corps grew as more soldiers joined it.
- In October 1863, parts of the Third Corps were added.
- In November 1863, a group called the "Reserve Corps" also joined.
- By April 1865, all remaining Confederate forces in Georgia became part of the First Corps.
Important Commanders
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Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk
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Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Cheatham
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Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne
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Lieut. Gen. William J. Hardee
