Department of the Shenandoah 1861

Major General Nathaniel P. Banks' Department of the Shenandoah took over from Major General Robert Patterson's Department of Pennsylvania after Patterson was unsuccessful in preventing Confederate General Joseph Johnson's troops from reinforcing Beuregard's men at Manassas.

Much of Patterson's army had mustered out at the end of their 90 day enlistments, forcing Banks to almost rebuild the force from scratch.

Within a month the Department was merged into the Department of the Potomac. Banks retained command of his troops, but now reported to McClellan. By April of 1862 the Administration's confidence in McClellan was waning, and Banks was again given independent command.

Department of the Shenandoah Order of Battlle, July 1861
Department of the Shenandoah Order of Battlle, August 1861

Major General
Nathaniel P. Banks

Timeline of the Army of the Shenandoah in 1861
July 19	Department created, consisting of the Valley of Virginia, the Counties of Washington and Allegheny in Maryland and such parts of Virginia "as may be covered by the army in its operations."
August 17	Merged into the Department of the Potomac as Banks' Division.

Department of the Shenandoah 1861

Timeline of the Army of the Shenandoah in 1861