Army of Northeastern Virginia (USA) Facts

May 27, 1861–July 25, 1862

Key facts about the Union Army of Northeastern Virginia.

Black and white photo of Irvin McDowell.

Brigadier General Irvin McDowell was the first and only commander of the Department and Army of Northeastern Virginia. [National Archives]

Formation Date

  • May 27, 1861

Dissolution Date

  • July 25, 1862

Commanders

Notable Engagements

Significance:

  • On May 27, 1861, the War Department issued General Orders No. 20, creating a new Military Geographical Department which was subsequently referred to as the Department of Northeastern Virginia.
  • The Department of Northeastern Virginia encompassed “All that part of Virginia, east of the Alleghany mountains and north of James river, except Fort Monroe and sixty miles around the same . . . .”
  • Brigadier General Irvin McDowell was the first and only commander of the Department and Army of Northeastern Virginia.
  • The Army of Northeastern Virginia consisted of about 30,000 to 35,000 raw recruits.
  • Many soldiers of the Army of Northeastern Virginia were three-month volunteers.
  • The Army of Northeastern Virginia consisted of five divisions led by Brigadier General Daniel Tyler, Colonel David Hunter, Colonel Samuel Heintzelman, Brigadier General Theodore Runyon, and Colonel D. S. Miles.
  • There is scant historical evidence that The Army of Northeastern Virginia was ever officially ascribed that name.
  • On July 21 the Confederate Army of the Potomac, reinforced by the Army of the Shenandoah, routed the Army of Northeastern Virginia at the First Battle of Bull Run.
  • On July 25, 1862, the War Department merged the Department of Northeastern Virginia with the Department of Washington to create the Division of the Potomac.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Article Title Army of Northeastern Virginia (USA) Facts
  • Date May 27, 1861–July 25, 1862
  • Author
  • Keywords army of northeastern virginia
  • Website Name American History Central
  • Access Date September 28, 2023
  • Publisher R.Squared Communications, LLC
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update June 9, 2023

Army of Northeastern Virginia (USA) Facts is Part of the Following on AHC