John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch and Roster Of The Georgia 21st Infantry Regiment John C Rigdon

The Georgia 21st Infantry Regiment assembled at Richmond, Virginia, during June and July, 1861. The Twenty-first served in the army of Northern Virginia, acting a gallant part in the many great battles in which it was engaged. It was one of the regiments commanded by the gallant General Doles, who fell at the second battle of Cold Harbor. In May, 1862, Company E was transferred to the cavalry. By special order no. 106, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, dated Richmond, Virginia May 8, 1862, this company, "old Company E," was detached from this regiment and became Company A, 1st Regiment Georgia Partisan Rangers and subsequently became Company G, Smith's Legion Georgia Cavalry, which in March 1863, became Company G, 6th Regiment Georgia Cavalry. During the war the 21st served under the command of Generals Trimble, Hoke, Doles, and Cook. The 21st participated in Jackson's Valley Campaign and fought in many conflicts of the Army of Northern Virginia from the Seven Days' Battles to Mine Run. Later it was engaged at Roanoke Island, Drewry's Bluff, and Cold Harbor, then moved with Early to the Shenandoah Valley and was active around Appomattox. It had 4 killed and 23 wounded at Cross Keys and 20 killed, 80 wounded, and 11 missing at Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill. The unit lost seventy-six percent of the 242 engaged at Second Manassas and about ten percent of the 287 at Gettysburg in which Colonel Thomas was cited for gallantry. Companies Of The GA 21st Infantry Regiment The GA 21st Infantry Regiment recruited its members in Campbell, Floyd, Fulton, Polk, Gordon, Troup, Dale, Stewart, and Chattooga counties. Company A - Campbell County, Georgia - Campbell County Guards Or Campbellton Home Guards Company B - Floyd County, Georgia - "Floyd Sharpshooters" Company C - Fulton County, Georgia - Atlanta Volunteers Company D - Polk County, Georgia - Cedartown Guards Company E - Floyd County, Georgia - Sardis Volunteers 2nd Company E - Forsyth & Dawson Counties, Georgia "Concord Rangers" Company F - Ben Hill Infantry - Or Ben Hill Volunteers Company G - Gordon County, Georgia - "Dabney Rifles" Company H - Dade County, Georgia - "Silver Grays" Or "Yancey Invincibles" Company I - Stewart County, Georgia - Stewart Infantry Company K - Chattooga County, Georgia - "Bartow Avengers"