The "Department of the South" was a military command established by the Union during the American Civil War. It was created in 1862 to oversee operations in the southern states, particularly in areas like South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The department aimed to maintain control over these regions and support the Union's efforts to suppress the Confederacy. General David Hunter was appointed as its first commander, and the department played a significant role in various military campaigns. The Department of the South was also involved in efforts to liberate enslaved people and promote their rights, reflecting the broader goals of the Union during the war.