Fourth Corps, Army of Northern Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fourth Corps, Army of Northern Virginia |
|
|---|---|
Confederate battle flag
|
|
| Active | October 19, 1864– April 8, 1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Allegiance |  Virginia |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Type | Army Corps |
| Role | infantry tactics, trench warfare |
| Size | 2-3 divisions, 9-13 brigades |
| Part of | Army of Northern Virginia |
| Nickname(s) | Anderson's Corps |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Richard Anderson |
The Fourth Corps was a large group of soldiers in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. It was created in October 1864. This unit was part of the Army of Northern Virginia, which was a main fighting force for the Confederate States of America. General Richard H. Anderson led the Fourth Corps. It only existed for a short time, joining with another corps just before the war ended in April 1865.
What Was the Fourth Corps?
A "corps" is a very large military unit. The Fourth Corps was formed late in the American Civil War. It was part of the Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee. This army was the main fighting force for the Confederate States.
The Fourth Corps fought in important battles. These included the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign and the Appomattox Campaign. Its main job was to fight on foot, using infantry tactics. They also fought in trenches, which was a common way of fighting during the war.
How the Corps Was Formed in 1864
The Fourth Corps was officially created on October 19, 1864. This happened after another general, James Longstreet, recovered from an injury. His recovery allowed him to go back to leading the First Corps.
The new Fourth Corps was put together using soldiers who had been fighting around the cities of Richmond and Petersburg. These soldiers had been part of General Beauregard's command. General Richard H. Anderson was put in charge of this new corps.
The Final Days of the Fourth Corps in 1865
During the winter of 1864 and 1865, the Fourth Corps stayed near Petersburg. They were part of General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. In April 1865, the Union Army, led by General Ulysses Grant, broke through the defenses around Petersburg. This ended the long Siege of Petersburg.
The Fourth Corps then retreated with the rest of General Lee's army. However, many of its soldiers were captured or lost in the Battle of Sailor's Creek. This battle was a major defeat for the Confederates. Just three days later, on April 9, 1865, the remaining soldiers of the Fourth Corps surrendered. This happened at Appomattox Courthouse, marking the end of the war for General Lee's army.
