Fourth Military District facts for kids
The Fourth Military District was a special area set up by the U.S. Army in the southern part of the United States. This district was created after the American Civil War during a time called Reconstruction. Its main job was to help bring the Southern states back into the Union and make sure new laws were followed.
This district included the states of Arkansas and Mississippi. Soldiers from the U.S. Army were stationed there to help keep order. Important generals like Edward Ord, Alvan Cullem Gillem, and Adelbert Ames were in charge of the district at different times.
Why Were Military Districts Created?
After the Civil War ended, the U.S. government faced a big challenge. They needed to reunite the country and help the Southern states recover. President Andrew Johnson wanted to be gentle with the Southern states. He believed they should quickly return to their old place in the Union. He also thought former Confederates should be forgiven and get their full rights back.
However, many members of Congress, known as the Radical Republicans, disagreed. They wanted stricter rules for the South. They believed the Southern states needed to change a lot before rejoining the Union. To make sure these changes happened, Congress passed the Reconstruction Acts in 1867. These laws divided the former Confederate states into five military districts. Each district was controlled by a military commander. This commander oversaw many parts of life, including politics and daily activities. The Fourth Military District was made up of Mississippi and Arkansas, with its main office in Vicksburg.
Who Led the Fourth Military District?
The first commander of the Fourth Military District was General Edward Ord. He was a trusted friend of Ulysses S. Grant, who later became president.
Another important leader was General Alvan Cullem Gillem. He was in charge of the Mississippi area within the district. Gillem, like President Johnson, favored a more forgiving approach toward the former Confederates. This idea did not please the Radical Republicans in Congress.
When Ulysses S. Grant became president, he removed Gillem from his command. Grant then sent General Ord back to lead the district. Later, when General Ord moved to another command, General Adelbert Ames took over in 1868. Ames also became the Governor of Mississippi. He replaced Benjamin G. Humphreys, who had been a general for the Confederacy.
When Did the District End?
The Fourth Military District was a temporary setup. It ended when the states it covered were officially allowed back into the Union.
In 1870, Mississippi was readmitted to the Union. At that point, the Fourth Military District was no longer needed. Control of the state went back to its newly elected state government. This marked the end of the military's direct rule in that area.
