Army of the Tennessee
The Army of the Tennessee stands as a significant chapter in the annals of the American Civil War. A Union army group that carved its legacy in the Western Theater, its very name echoed the vital waterway that defined much of its operational landscape: the Tennessee River. Formed in October 1862, this military organization evolved from a single corps into a formidable fighting force that played a crucial role in securing Union victory.
At its inception, the Army of the Tennessee comprised the XIII Corps, a substantial unit boasting eleven divisions along with a cavalry command. Recognizing the need for a more structured organization, it was quickly reorganized into four corps, each containing two or three divisions bolstered by detachments of artillery and cavalry. This restructuring provided greater flexibility and command efficiency as the army embarked on its campaigns.
The initial leadership of the Army of the Tennessee fell to General Ulysses S. Grant, a figure who would become synonymous with Union success. Grant’s early tenure was immediately tested in the brutal Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Despite the heavy casualties and initial setbacks, Grant’s resolve and tactical acumen ultimately secured a Union victory, a crucial turning point in the Western Theater. Following Shiloh, Grant directed Union forces in the Siege of Corinth, a relatively bloodless affair that consolidated Union control of vital transportation routes. The subsequent months saw the army engaged in the arduous task of maintaining Union positions in Tennessee and Mississippi, facing constant Confederate pressure and the challenges of supply and logistics.
October 1862 marked a significant administrative change for Grant’s command. It was reconfigured and elevated to departmental status, becoming the Department of the Tennessee. This expanded command gave Grant greater authority and resources as he prepared for future campaigns. He remained in command of these forces until after the critically important victory at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in July 1863. The capture of Vicksburg, a strategic stronghold on the Mississippi River, was a pivotal moment in the war, effectively splitting the Confederacy and opening the river to Union navigation.
Following the triumph at Vicksburg, the command of the Army of the Tennessee transitioned to General William Tecumseh Sherman, another towering figure in Union military history. Under Sherman’s leadership, the army continued its relentless advance, participating in the Chattanooga Campaign, a series of battles that secured Union control of this vital railroad hub. The army also played a key role in the Relief of Knoxville, breaking the Confederate siege of the city and securing East Tennessee for the Union. Sherman then led the army in the Meridian Campaign, a destructive raid deep into Mississippi that disrupted Confederate supply lines and infrastructure.
In March 1864, Sherman’s strategic vision and proven leadership led to his appointment as commander of all western armies for the Atlanta Campaign. This promotion necessitated a change in leadership for the Army of the Tennessee. General James B. McPherson, a brilliant and highly respected officer, assumed command. Under McPherson’s guidance, the army fought its way south from Chattanooga, Tennessee, towards Atlanta, Georgia, in a series of hard-fought battles.
Tragically, McPherson’s tenure as commander was cut short. He was killed in action during the battles around Atlanta, a devastating loss for the Union army. His death deeply impacted the morale of the troops, but his legacy of courage and tactical skill continued to inspire them.
Following McPherson’s death, command of the Army of the Tennessee was transferred to General Oliver O. Howard. Howard, a deeply religious and principled man, faced the daunting task of leading the army through the remainder of the war. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Howard remained in command, guiding the army through the final campaigns that led to Confederate surrender.
Throughout its existence, the Army of the Tennessee was in a perpetual state of combat or campaigning. From the bloody fields of Shiloh to the hard-fought siege of Atlanta, the army faced constant challenges and adversity. Despite these hardships, it consistently demonstrated courage, resilience, and tactical proficiency. As a result, the Army of the Tennessee earned a reputation for effectiveness and tenacity that was second only to that of the much larger and more widely known Army of the Potomac, which primarily operated in the Eastern Theater.
The soldiers who served in the Army of the Tennessee were largely drawn from the rugged states of the American West. These men, many of whom had experience with frontier life and hardship, brought a unique grit and determination to the battlefield. They were known for their independence, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty to the Union cause.
The service of these Western soldiers in the Army of the Tennessee concluded with the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate forces in April 1865. This surrender marked the effective end of the Civil War and the beginning of the long process of reunification. In May 1865, the soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee had the honor of parading through the streets of Washington D.C. in the Grand Review of the Armies, a symbolic celebration of Union victory. Following the parade, the soldiers were mustered out of service, and the Army of the Tennessee was officially disbanded, its mission accomplished.
During its relatively short but impactful existence, the Army of the Tennessee compiled an impressive combat record. Notably, it never lost any major campaigns, a testament to the skill of its commanders and the bravery of its soldiers. The Army of the Tennessee stands as a symbol of Union resolve and a testament to the crucial role played by the Western Theater in securing victory in the Civil War. Its legacy continues to resonate today, reminding us of the sacrifices made to preserve the Union and the enduring strength of the American spirit.