Why were Confederate armies named predominately after States/Territories while Union armies were named predominantly after rivers? And was this a conscious decision from both sides? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Why were Confederate armies named predominately after States/Territories while Union armies were named predominantly after rivers? And was this a conscious decision from both sides?

by corruptrevolutionary

Army of Northern Virginia vs the Army of the Potomac

Army of Tennessee vs the Army of the Tennessee

Also why was it the Army of New Mexico when the claimed territory was Confederate Arizona?

freeski919

I don't have any precise insight into your question, but it does track with how the respective sides referred to battles, as well. The Union side often named battles for nearby rivers, creeks, etc. Antietam, Bull Run, etc.