Kanawha Division facts for kids

The Kanawha Division was a special group of soldiers in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It started as a smaller group called a brigade, led by a general named Jacob D. Cox. This division fought in important battles in places like West Virginia and Maryland. Famous leaders like George Crook and even future U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes were in charge of this division at different times.

History of the Kanawha Division

The Kanawha Brigade Begins

On July 1, 1861, Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox took command of a group of volunteer soldiers from Ohio. He named his group the "Kanawha Brigade." This name came from the Kanawha Valley in West Virginia, where they were stationed. Cox and his brigade fought in the Battle of Princeton Court House in 1862.

Growing into a Division

By 1862, this group of soldiers had grown much larger. It became big enough to be called a "division." The name "Kanawha Division" was officially used starting in June 1862.

Joining the Fight at Bull Run

Before the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Kanawha Division, led by General Cox, was moved to the Army of Virginia. Only one part of the division, led by Colonel Eliakim P. Scammon, was involved in some early fighting on August 27. After this battle, the Kanawha Division was sent to help defend Washington, D.C.

The Maryland Campaign

During the Maryland Campaign, the Kanawha Division left Washington. It joined the IX Corps. The division had two main groups, called brigades. These were led by Colonel Eliakim P. Scammon and Colonel Augustus Moor.

Battles and New Leaders

General Cox was still in charge and led the division at the Battle of South Mountain. A few days later, before the Battle of Antietam, there was a change in command. General Jesse L. Reno, who was leading the IX Corps, was killed. General Cox, being the next highest-ranking officer, took over the IX Corps.

Colonel Scammon then became the leader of the Kanawha Division. At Antietam, the division's brigades were led by Colonel Hugh Ewing and Colonel George Crook. Crook's brigade helped other soldiers cross the Burnside Bridge. Ewing's brigade crossed Antietam Creek at another spot to support different troops.

Back to West Virginia

After the Battle of Antietam, General Cox was moved to a new role. The Kanawha Division went back to West Virginia. General George Crook took command of the division for a while. Later, Colonel Scammon returned to lead the division again.

Quiet Times and New Challenges

During this time, the division was less active in big battles. They mostly dealt with small, surprise attacks from Confederate groups. One special unit formed then was Blazer's Scouts. Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, who was a brigade commander, was not happy with how cautious Scammon was. When George Crook returned to command the division in 1864, Hayes was very pleased because Crook was more aggressive.

Battle of Cloyd's Mountain

General Crook took command of the Kanawha Division again in February 1864. By this time, the division was officially called the 2nd Division in the Department of West Virginia. It had three brigades, led by colonels Rutherford Hayes, Carr B. White, and Horatio G. Sickel.

Crook led the division into battle at Battle of Cloyd's Mountain. After that, they joined another army for the Battle of Lynchburg.

Army of the Kanawha and Army of West Virginia

On July 2, 1864, General George Crook took command of a larger force he called the Army of the Kanawha. He also personally led the 1st and 2nd "Kanawha" Divisions within this army. Later, other officers took command of these divisions.

Key Battles and Leadership Changes

Crook led his army into the Second Battle of Kernstown. On August 8, Crook renamed his forces the Army of West Virginia. This army joined General Philip H. Sheridan's forces.

Colonel Isaac H. Duval led the Kanawha Division at the Battle of Opequon. At a key moment, the division was called forward. Colonel Hayes's brigade made a brave charge against the Confederate side. During this fight, Colonel Duval was wounded, and Hayes took command of the Kanawha Division.

Hayes's Leadership and Final Fights

Even though other generals wanted to lead the Kanawha Division, General Crook decided to keep Hayes in command. Hayes and Crook worked together to plan a successful attack at the battle of Fisher's Hill.

At the battle of Cedar Creek, the Union army was surprised by a Confederate attack. Crook's command, including the Kanawha Division, faced the first and hardest part of the attack. Hayes was wounded but managed to escape capture. Despite this tough battle, their earlier successes meant their reputations were still strong. Hayes remained in command of the Kanawha Division until December 1864. Cedar Creek was the division's last major battle of the war.

Command History

Units in the Kanawha Division

These are some of the regiments that fought in the Kanawha Division from the Battle of South Mountain to the Battle of Cedar Creek:

• 12th Ohio Infantry
• 23rd Ohio Infantry (Famous members included Eliakim P. Scammon, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Comly, and William McKinley)
• 36th Ohio Infantry (A famous member was George Crook)
• 1st Ohio Artillery