5th Virginia Infantry Battalion explained

Unit Name:5th Battalion, Virginia Volunteer Infantry
Dates:May 1861  - September 1862
Country:Confederacy
Allegiance: Confederate States of America
Role:Heavy Artillery
Infantry
Nickname:Archer's Battalion
Battles:American Civil War
Disbanded:September 1862

The 5th Battalion, Virginia Infantry, also known as the Archer's Battalion, was raised in Virginia for service in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War and served as infantry. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia.

The battalion completed its organization at Richmond, Virginia, in May 1861. Its six companies were raised in the counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Henrico, and Greensville.

The unit served as heavy artillery along the James River, including at Fort Huger, before being attached to General Armistead's Brigade. During June 1862, it contained 213 men, was active in the Seven Days' Battles, then disbanded in September. Many of its members transferred to the 53rd Virginia Infantry regiment.

The field officers were Lieutenant Colonel F.H. Archer, and Majors William R. Foster and John P. Wilson, Jr.

See also