The first commander of the entire Union army was Winfield Scott.
General-in-Chief at the outbreak of the war was the elderly Winfield Scott, who would clearly have to retire before long. Although too old for any kind of active role, he was one of the few officers on either side who realized that it would be a long war, and his original plan - derided for its slowness - was more-or-less than plan that the Union eventually followed. Commander of Union troops in the first pitched battle was the unfortunate Irvin McDowell, who knew his army was not ready for combat, but was pushed into it by politicians and press, hungry for action.
At the start of the Civil War, Winfield Scott was the Commanding General of the Union Army.
Winfield Scott, General-in-Chief of the Union armies.
McClelland then Grant. Robert E. Lee was Lincoln's fist choice to lead the union army at the beginning of the war but, Lee said "I cannot fight against my own birthplace." So they chose Winfield Scott as commander.
George McLellan
Winfield Scott
Winfield Scott: July 5, 1841 - November 1, 1861
The first commander of the entire Union army was Winfield Scott.
Winfield Scott: July 5, 1841 - November 1, 1861
Winfield Scott Henry Halleck Ulysses S. Grant
General-in-Chief at the outbreak of the war was the elderly Winfield Scott, who would clearly have to retire before long. Although too old for any kind of active role, he was one of the few officers on either side who realized that it would be a long war, and his original plan - derided for its slowness - was more-or-less than plan that the Union eventually followed. Commander of Union troops in the first pitched battle was the unfortunate Irvin McDowell, who knew his army was not ready for combat, but was pushed into it by politicians and press, hungry for action.
The Union Army had several different commanders during the time it was in existence. They included Winfield Scott, George McClellan, Henry Halleck, and the final commander, Ulysses S. Grant.
The commander of the Union troops at Bull Run (in that month) was the unfortunate Irvin McDowall, who knew his army was not properly trained. General-in-Chief at that point was still Winfield Scott - far too old for the job, and soon to retire.
Winfield Scott offered Lee command of the Union forces. Lee resigned.
The job of commander of the Union Forces was offered to Robert Edward Lee.
At the start of the Civil War, Winfield Scott was the Commanding General of the Union Army.