It is noted for having two future U.S. presidents serve in its ranks: Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley, both from the 23rd Ohio Infantry.

Brigadier General George Crook was appointed to command the Department of West Virginia on July 25, 1864.

[1] It should not be confused with the official Union VIII Corps, which was commanded by Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace and on guard duty along the B & O Railroad during this time.

A Provisional Division led by Colonel J. Howard Kitching joined just prior to the battle of Cedar Creek.

Exact composition of the Provisional Division is unknown other than approximately 1,000 soldiers including the 6th New York Heavy Artillery.