Commanders of the Army of the Potomac

Brigadier General Irvin McDowell*	May 27 – July 25, 1861
Major General George B. McClellan	July 26, 1861 – November 9, 1862
Major General Ambrose E. Burnside	November 9, 1862 – January 26, 1863
Major General Joseph Hooker	January 26 – June 28, 1863
Major General George G. Meade	June 28, 1863 – June 28, 1865

* Irvin McDowell, commander of the Army and Department of Northeastern Virginia, was releived of command by George B. McClellan. These same troops made up a large portion of the army George B. McClellan would later name of the Army of the Potomac.