John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch and Roster of the Virginia 51st Infantry Regiment John C Rigdon

The 51st Virginia Infantry Regiment was organized at Wytheville, Virginia in August of 1861. It was composed of eleven companies from southwestern Virginia. The vast majority of these men were farmers. The 51st earned an impressive record in many battles. It led the charge at New Market, a victory which saved the Shenandoah Valley, and therefore bought the Confederacy another year. The regiment participated in Longstreet's Knoxville Campaign, and was assigned briefly to Lee's Army of Northern Virginia while fighting around Richmond and at the bloody battle of Cold Harbor. It was also a vital part of Jubal Early's Valley Campaign and his famous raid on Washington. Companies Of The VA 51st Infantry Regiment Company A (Capt. Stephen M. Dickey's Company) - Grayson County Company B (Nelson Rifles) - Nelson County Company C Company D ( Capt. Ezekiel Youngs Company) - Grayson County Company E (Wythe Rifles) - Wythe County and Nelson County Company F Company G Company H Company I (Capt. John P. Wolfe's Company) - Washington County Company K (Bland Tigers) - Bland County Company L (Tazewell County Company) - An eleven-piece band