17th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry - Confederate

United States  U.S. Military   Virginia    Virginia Military   Virginia in the Civil War  17th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry

Brief History
17th Cavalry Regiment was organized at Salem, Virginia, in January 1863, by consolidating the 33rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry with three new companies. It was assigned to Jenkins' and McCausland's Brigade, was active in the Gettysburg Campaign, then returned to western Virginia. The regiment fought at Cloyd's Mountain, was with Early in the Shenandoah Valley, and saw action around Appomattox. There were 241 engaged at Gettysburg and during February 1864, it contained 311 effectives. In April 1865, it disbanded at Lynchburg. The field officers were Colonel William H. French, Lieutenant Colonel William C. Tavenner, and Major Frederick F. Smith.

Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin
Men often enlisted in a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded. However if you are unsure which company your ancestor was in, try the company recruited in his county first.


 * Company A
 * Company B
 * Company C
 * Company D
 * Company E
 * Company F
 * Company G
 * Company H
 * Company I
 * Company K

Other Sources
National Park Service, The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, is searchable by soldier's name and state. It contains basic facts about soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, a list of regiments, descriptions of significant battles, sources of the information, and suggestions for where to find additional information.