1st Virginia Cavalry

Brief History of the Regiment

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The 1st Virginia Cavalry was organized from prewar militia companies, the 1st Virginia Cavalry consisted initially of 12 companies (A - M), and completed organization July 16, 1861. One of the most famous Confederate cavalry regiments, the 1st Virginia was led by such intrepid leaders as J.E.B. Stuart, "Fitz" Lee, and "Grumble" Jones. The 1st distinguished itself in in several actions, including but not limited to, the Shenandoah Valley in 1861, at Bull Run, in Stuart's ride around McClellan, at Catlett's Station, Brandy Station, Kelly's Ford, Gettysburg, the Buckland "Races", Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania Court House, Yellow Tavern, Haw's Shop, Nance's Shop, Cold Harbor, Reams' Station, Front Royal, Winchester, Waynesboro, Five Forks, and Appomattox Court House. The regiment fought in over two hundred battles and skirmishes. From its ranks sprang such renowned cavalry leaders as John Singleton Mosby, Ridgely Brown and Gustavus W. Dorsey. Despite heavy casualties, the 1st maintained its high morale and elan to the bitter end. Escaping at Appomattox Court House the regiment marched on to Lynchburg before disbanding on April 11, 1865.

List of Companies that composed the 1st Va. Cavalry:

A - Newtown Light Dragoons (Frederick Co.)

B - Capt. John Blair Hoge's Co. (Berkeley Co.)

C (1st Co.) - Rockbridge Dragoons (Rockbridge Co.)

D (1st Co.) - Clarke Cavalry (Clarke Co.)

D (2nd Co.) - Washington Mounted Rifles (Washington Co.)

E - Valley Rangers (Augusta Co.)

F - Shepherdstown Troop (Jefferson Co.)

G - Amelia Light Dragoons (Amelia Co.)

H - Loudoun Light Horse (Loudoun Co.)

I - Harrisonburg Cavalry (Rockingham Co.)

K (1st Co.) - River Rangers or Rockingham Cavalry (Rockingham Co.)

K (2nd Co.) - Howard Dragoons (Maryland)

L (1st Co.) - [see Co. D (2nd Co.)]

L (2nd Co.) - Gloucester Light Dragoons (Gloucester Co.)
[later transfered to 5th Va. Cav.]

M - [see Co. K (2nd Co.)]

N - Adams Troop (Mississippi)
[transfered to 2nd Bttn. MS. Cav.]

O - Stone's Co. (Alabama)
[transfered to 2nd Bttn. MS. Cav.]

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For more detailed information on this regiment, and the men who fought in it, I recommend
the

1st Virginia Cavalry
by Robert J. Driver, Jr.
Available from

The Virginia Regimental Histories Series