XXII Corps (Union Army) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids XXII Corps
Badge of the 3rd Division of the XXII Corps
Active	February 2, 1863 – June 26, 1865
Country	United States
Allegiance	Union Army
Type	Infantry and Cavalry
Part of	Department of Washington
Colors	White background, red badge (1st Division) Blue background, white badge (2nd Division) White background, blue badge (3rd Division)
Engagements	Eastern Theater: • Valley Campaigns of 1864 • Battle of Fort Stevens • Skirmishes with Mosby's Rangers
Commanders
First Commander	Major General Samuel P. Heintzelman
Second Commander	Major General Christopher C. Augur
Third Commander	Major General John G. Parke

The XXII Corps was a special military group in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was formed on February 2, 1863. Its main job was to protect Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States.

This corps included three groups of infantry (foot soldiers) and one group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback). Many of its units were later sent to join the main Union Army, called the Army of the Potomac. The XXII Corps was very important for defending the capital throughout the war.

How Armies Got Their Names in the Civil War

During the Civil War, armies often got their names from the military areas they were formed in. For example, the Army of the Potomac was named after the Potomac River. The Union Army usually named its groups after natural landmarks like rivers.

On the other hand, the Confederacy often named their armies after states or geographic areas. This was a key difference in how the two sides organized their forces.

The Department of Washington, D.C.

The Department of Washington, D.C., was created on April 9, 1861. Its main goal was to defend Washington, D.C., and the nearby areas in Virginia and Maryland. This department was crucial for protecting the nation's capital from attacks.

Many different military commands were set up to protect Washington, D.C., over time. These included the Department of the East, the Department of the Potomac, and the Military District of Washington. Each played a part in organizing troops and building defenses around the city.

Why Washington Needed Strong Defenses

Washington, D.C., was a vital target during the Civil War. It was the center of the Union government. Protecting it meant building many fortifications (strong defensive structures) and keeping a large number of soldiers there. The Quartermaster Department in Washington was the largest in the Union Army. It handled everything from building forts to supplying troops and transporting materials.

The XXII Corps: Protecting the Capital

The XXII Corps was officially formed on February 2, 1863, as part of the Department of Washington. A "corps" is a large military group, usually made up of two to six divisions. It is typically led by a major general.

The commanders of the XXII Corps also served as the commanders of the Department of Washington. This meant they were in charge of both the troops and the overall defense of the capital area. Many soldiers who were recovering from battles would come to the XXII Corps to get ready to fight again.

Key Battles and Skirmishes

The XXII Corps was involved in important actions, especially in defending Washington, D.C.

Mosby's Rangers: Skirmishes and Raids

The XXII Corps often faced off against a famous Confederate group called Mosby's Rangers. This group, led by John S. Mosby, was known for its quick raids in an area called Mosby's Confederacy in Virginia.

Mosby's Rangers often attacked Union supply lines and telegraph wires. The XXII Corps cavalry, led by Brigadier General William Gamble, had many small fights with Mosby's Raiders. These skirmishes were important for keeping the capital safe from these daring attacks.

The Battle of Fort Stevens

One of the most famous battles involving the XXII Corps was the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11, 1864. Confederate forces, led by Jubal Early, tried to attack Washington, D.C.

The XXII Corps played a major role in defending Fort Stevens. Their soldiers fought bravely, holding the line against the Confederate attack. The next day, more experienced Union troops arrived, and Early's forces had to retreat. This battle showed how important the XXII Corps was in protecting the capital from being captured.

Leaders of the XXII Corps

The XXII Corps had several important commanders during its existence:

Famous Brigades in the XXII Corps

Many different military units served in the XXII Corps, some for a short time and others for longer. Some were recovering from battles, while others were training before going to the front lines. Here are a few well-known brigades that were part of the corps:

• The California Brigade: This brigade was formed to make sure California had soldiers fighting in the Eastern part of the war. After its first commander died, it was renamed the Philadelphia Brigade.
• The First New Jersey Brigade: This was the first brigade in the Civil War made up entirely of regiments from one state, New Jersey. It was formed to help defend Washington, D.C.
• The Pennsylvania Reserve Division: This group was formed by the state of Pennsylvania when too many volunteers signed up. They were equipped and supported by Pennsylvania itself.
• The Vermont Brigades: Vermont provided two brigades to help defend Washington, D.C. These were the 1st Vermont Brigade and the 2nd Vermont Brigade.
• The Iron Brigade: This famous brigade was unique because its soldiers came from different states, including Wisconsin and Indiana. It earned its nickname for its toughness in battle.

Images for kids

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  The blue Pentagon Cross served as the badge of the 3rd Division, XXII Corps