Army of Northern Virginia

The Army of Northern Virginia was the primary military force of the Confederate States of America in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War, as well as the primary command structure of the Department of Northern Virginia. It was most often arrayed against the Union Army of the Potomac. Three districts were created under the Department of Northern Virginia:

  • Aquia District
    • First commander: Maj. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes
    • Period of existence: October 22, 1861, to April 18, 1862
  • Potomac District
    • First commander: Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard
    • Period of existence: October 22, 1861, to January 29, 1862
  • Valley District
    • First commander: Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson
    • Period of existence: October 22, 1861, to April 9, 1865

While the Aquia and Potomac Districts ceased to exist by the spring of 1862, the need remained for military organization in the Valley throughout the remainder of the war, and the Valley District remained in place for the duration of the war.

Read more about Army Of Northern Virginia:  Origin, Command Under Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, Command Under General J. E. Johnston, Temporary Command Under Major General G. W. Smith, Command Under General R. E. Lee, Campaigns and Battles, Legacy

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