2 years ago. June 18, 2022 at 5:11 PM
When Thomas Hooker assumed command of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War it was in rather...disheartening shape. As such he encamped in around Washington DC for a period of extended training. During this time the Army began to collect a rather extensive collection of camp "followers." The press began to refer to this assembly of entrepreneuring ladies of the night as Hooker's division. Hooker was later removed from command, but the label has stuck around.