How the 5^th was formed:

After the ordinance of secession was ratified, Governor Letcher called for all militia companies in the Shenandoah Valley to move to Harper's Ferry in order to secure the town and its armaments. The Virginia militia units that went to Harper's Ferry were
organized into regiments. The 5th Regiment of Virginia Volunteer Infantry was formed in April 1861. It was made up of men from Augusta, Frederick, and Rockbridge Counties, and the town of Winchester, all in the Shenandoah Valley. Volunteers in 1861 enrolled for a 1 year of service with the company they selected. After the enrollment the company was mustered into state service for 1 year. After the Conscription act in April 1862 the term of service already in the field was extended to 3 years dating from the original enlistment. Men between the ages of 18 & 45 were able for service, soldiers under or over the age could be discharged.

The 5th Virginia began as a regiment of volunteers militia companies organized in Augusta County. The 5th Virginia represent Company D of the 5th Regiment of Virginia Volunteers; one of the 5 regiments that formed the Stonewalls Brigade. The whole Regiment consisted of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th & the 33rd Virginia Regiments.

The 5th was then placed under the command of Colonel Kenton Harper. On July 1, 1861, the Fifth was accepted into the service of the Confederate States, and was assigned to the First Brigade, under Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson. The First Brigade was later known as the famous Stonewall Brigade. The original muster roles show that most members were between the ages of 18 and 30. The youngest was 15 and the oldest, was 60! Well over half of the men were farmers and laborers, but there was also listed seven lawyers, six teachers, five cigar makers, two dentist, a toy maker, a confectioner, a surgeon, an undertaker, a "gentleman", and one man listed as "nothing" in the ranks.

The "Fighting Fifth"