The Ohio's Vanguard

1️⃣ The First Army of the Ohio (1861–1862)

The initial formation of the Army of the Ohio occurred under the command of Major General Don Carlos Buell, who was appointed to lead the Department of the Ohio. This army saw its first significant engagement at the Battle of Mill Springs, where only its 1st Division, under Brigadier General George H. Thomas, was actively involved. Subsequently, the entire army was mobilized to reinforce Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Tennessee at the pivotal Battle of Shiloh.

In the autumn of 1862, the army participated in the Battle of Perryville (also known as the Battle of Chaplin Hills) on October 8th. This engagement, fought west of Perryville, Kentucky, resulted in substantial casualties on both sides: 4,276 for the Union and 3,401 for the Confederacy. Despite the heavy losses, the battle is considered a strategic Union victory as Confederate General Braxton Bragg withdrew from Kentucky.

Following Perryville, Buell was relieved of command. Major General William S. Rosecrans assumed leadership of the Army of the Ohio. Rosecrans was also appointed commander of the Department of the Cumberland, and under his command, the army was subsequently renamed the Army of the Cumberland, marking the end of the first iteration of the Army of the Ohio.

2️⃣ The Second Army of the Ohio (1863–1865)

The second distinct formation bearing the name "Army of the Ohio" was established on March 25, 1863, when Major General Ambrose Burnside assumed command of the Department of the Ohio, headquartered in Cincinnati. This new army was primarily composed of the IX Corps and the XXIII Corps. Burnside's command saw the Army of the Ohio repel Morgan's Ohio Raid and subsequently move to Knoxville, Tennessee, where it achieved a notable victory against Confederate forces at the Battle of Fort Sanders during the Knoxville Campaign.

Burnside was later relieved of command due to illness. Major General John G. Foster briefly succeeded him before Major General John M. Schofield took command of the Department and Army of the Ohio in February 1864. Under Schofield, the XXIII Corps, often synonymous with the Army of the Ohio during this period, participated in the Atlanta Campaign. Following the fall of Atlanta, Schofield pursued Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood's army into Tennessee, inflicting a significant defeat upon Hood at the Battle of Franklin. Schofield then joined forces with Major General George H. Thomas and the Army of the Cumberland for the decisive Battle of Nashville.

In February 1865, Schofield transferred to command the Department of North Carolina. The XXIII Corps was subsequently ordered to North Carolina, with elements participating in the Battle of Wilmington. Upon the corps' full arrival, Schofield reunited the XXIII Corps with the X Corps, under Major General Alfred H. Terry, to reform the Army of the Ohio. This reconstituted force served as the Center Wing of Major General William T. Sherman's army during the concluding phases of the Carolinas Campaign. With the cessation of hostilities, the troops were honorably mustered out of service.

💥 Major Actions

The Army of the Ohio participated in numerous pivotal battles and campaigns that significantly influenced the course of the American Civil War, particularly in the Western Theater. These engagements highlight the army's resilience, strategic importance, and the evolving nature of warfare during the conflict.

📜 A Chapter in Union Victory

The Army of the Ohio, in its various forms, represents a vital component of the Union's military success during the American Civil War. Its contributions, from the early engagements in the West to its role in the final campaigns, underscore the strategic importance of coordinated military action. The evolution of its command and structure reflects the dynamic nature of wartime leadership and organization.

While the specific designation "Army of the Ohio" ceased to exist after the war, the soldiers and commanders who served within its ranks continued to influence the military landscape. The legacy of their service is preserved in historical accounts, battle records, and the enduring narrative of the Union's struggle for national unity.

📜 References