Active 1863–1865 Type Field army | Branch United States Army Engagements American Civil War | |
Country United States of America Notable
commanders Frederick Steele
Joseph J. Reynolds | ||
The Army of Arkansas was a Union Army that served in the Trans-Mississippi Theater during the American Civil War. This force functioned exclusively in the state of Arkansas.
Contents
History
The Army of Arkansas was created on July 27, 1863 with Major General Frederick Steele in command. The army was created in the wake of the Union victories at Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and Vicksburg. It was composed of troops in Union-occupied areas of the state of Arkansas. General Steele led the army in its two most significant campaigns: The Little Rock Expedition and Camden Expedition. At Little Rock the army consisted of three divisions under John W. Davidson, Adolph Englemann and Samuel A. Rice.
During the Camden Expedition the army consisted of one corps – the VII Corps – and the two were virtually synonymous. It was composed of the divisions of Frederick Salomon, John M. Thayer and Eugene A. Carr.
Steele was replaced as commander of the army on December 22, 1864 by Major General Joseph J. Reynolds. Reynolds commanded the army during Price's Missouri Raid but his troops actively involved in the Union pursuit. Reynolds remained in command until the war's end.