John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch and Roster Of The Georgia 6th Infantry Regiment John C Rigdon

The first Confederate unit mustered from the state of Georgia, the Sixth Regiment was organized at Atlanta in May 1861. Alfred Colquitt was elected the first colonel of the unit, which included men from Baker, Butts, Crawford, Dade, Houston Mitchell, Oglethorpe, Taylor, and Twiggs counties. This regiment followed an unusual path through the war, going first to Virginia, but missing Gettysburg because they were transferred to Charleston, SC. The 6th Georgia was immortalized as one of the units defending Battery Wagner in the film, "Glory." They were sent to Florida to participate in Ocean Pond (Olustee), then back to Virginia for the post-Gettysburg battles. When Sherman threatened the Carolinas, the 6th was sent back to the Carolinas and participated in the campaign there, surrendering at Greensboro, NC. Companies Of The Georgia 6th Infantry Regiment Company A - Hancock County, Ga.("Sydney Brown Infantry") Company B - Dade County, Georgia ("Lookout Dragoons") Company C - Houston County, Ga. Beauregard Rifles Or Beauregard Volunteers Company D - Butts County, Ga.("Butts County Volunteers") Company E - Crawford County, Georgia ("Crawford County Greys") Company F - Mitchell County, Ga. Mitchell County Independents Or ("Camilla Guards") Company G - Taylor County, Georgia ("Butler Van Guards") Company H - Baker County, Georgia ("Baker County Fire Eaters") Company I - Twiggs County, Ga. ("Twiggs County Guards") Company K - Oglethorpe County, Georgia ("Gilmer Blues")