Continental Army Southern Department Commanders
March 1, 1776 - end of war
Continental Army


- The Southern Department was established on March 1, 1776.
- Originally comprised of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
- On April 5, 1780, Maryland and Delaware were transferred to the department.


Charles Lee:
March 1, 1776 - September 9, 1776
- In September 1776, he was recalled by Congress to the Main Army after the British threat to the department decreased.


Robert Howe:
September 9, 1776 - September 25, 1778
- He assumes command after Charles Lee is recalled to the Main Army.


Benjamin Lincoln:
September 25, 1778 - May 7, 1780
- On September 25, 1778, he was appointed to the post by Congress.
- On October 3, 1778, he received notice of the appointment.
- On October 8, 1778, he set out from camp in New York.
- On December 4, 1778, he arrived in Charleston and soon assumed his duties.
- On May 12, 1780, he surrendered Charleston.


Horatio Gates:
May 7, 1780 - October 17, 1780
- On June 13, 1780, he learned of his appointment and soon headed south.
- On July 25, 1780, he arrived in North Carolina and assumed command.


Nathanael Greene:
October 17, 1780 - end of war
- On October 5, 1780, Congress passed a resolution that gave George Washington authority to choose Gates' replacement. The resolution referenced Greene by name.
- October 14, 1780, George Washington selected Greene for the command.
- On October 22, 1780, Greene left camp and headed south.
- On October 31, 1780, Congress approved his appointment.
- On December 2, 1780, he arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina and assumed command from Gates.

Bibliography:
1. http://www.history.army.mil/books/RevWar/ContArmy/CA-AppB.htm
2. Boatner, Mark M.; Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
3. Mattern, David S.; Benjamin Lincoln and teh American Revolution
Picture: The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island. Painting by Domenick D'Andrea for the National Guard Bureau Heritage Series



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