He is noted for commanding the relief troops that first attempted to resupply Fort Sumter prior to the start of the conflict, and served with distinction during the war.

[2] Woods entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in July 1848, and graduated four years later, standing 20th out of 43 cadets.

[4] In early 1861, Woods was ordered by the U.S. Army to lead reinforcements to Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.

[5] On January 5 his command of 200 officers and men left from Governors Island in New York Harbor aboard the steamer SS Star of the West, escorted by the sloop USS Brooklyn, for Fort Sumter.

Finding it impossible to take my command to Fort Sumter, I was obliged most reluctantly to turn about, and try to make my way out of the harbor before my retreat should be cut off by vessels then in sight...[6]Woods and the Star of the West returned to New York Harbor on January 12, 1861, and he filed his full report the next day from Fort Columbus.

Woods was promoted to brigade command, replacing Charles Whittlesey in the Army of the Tennessee shortly before the Siege of Corinth on April 29, which lasted until June 10.

[8] Woods chose to continue his military career and remain in the U.S. Army after the end of the American Civil War.