"Dixie Boys" Company G, 19th Virginia Cavalry at "On Our Own Soil" The Fall of '63

Captain, Jake Smith

 

Company G Staff:

Captain - Jake Smith

1st LT – 

1st Sgt.

 

Company G Organization & Leadership Assignment:

Once Company G reaches full registration, HHV will publish the complete roster on this page — sorted into two ranks by height (tallest to shortest) as height will be a required field on the registration form. Captain Smith will then appoint Sergeants and Corporals to each section/squad, ensuring every group has clear, capable leadership.

From that moment, Corporals and Sergeants immediately assume responsibility for their section/squad. They will begin hands‑on preparation: coordinating authenticity, drill, gear checks, and immersive training exercises. This early engagement transforms our collection of reenactors into a unified, battle‑ready company.

All NCOs will receive comprehensive virtual leadership training from HHV staff before the event. Armed with these proven principles, each Corporal and Sergeant will personally mentor their soldiers — forging the cohesion, discipline, and historical authenticity that truly defines a successful immersive experience.

 

2nd Sergeant -

·       Corporal -

o   Private 1 -

o   Private 2 -

o   Private 3 -

o   Private 4 -

o   Private 5 -

·       Corporal -

o   Private 1 -

o   Private 2 -

o   Private 3 -

o   Private 4 -

o   Private 5 -

 

3rd Sergeant -

·       Corporal -

o   Private 1 -

o   Private 2 -

o   Private 3 -

o   Private 4 -

o   Private 5 -

·       Corporal -

o   Private 1 -

o   Private 2 -

o   Private 3 -

o   Private 4 -

o   Private 5 -

 


Research Information

1. Formation & Background

The 19th Virginia Cavalry was formed on March 12, 1863, under Colonel William L. "Mudwall" Jackson, a cousin of the famous "Stonewall" Jackson. This regiment consisted of Confederate cavalry and dismounted recruits from western Virginia, including counties such as Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Alleghany, and surrounding areas.

  • Company G, the "Dixie Boys," was originally Company F, 3rd Virginia State Line, before being mustered into the 19th Virginia Cavalry on March 12, 1863.
  • Though part of a Cavalry unit, they were mostly dismounted and fought on foot due to a lack of consistent horse procurement until early 1864. They specialized in raiding, scouting, and quick-strike tactics against Union forces in western Virginia (modern-day West Virginia) and the Shenandoah Valley.

2. Leadership & Key Officers

  • Captain Henry D. Ruffner – Commanding officer of Company G (formerly Company F, 3rd Virginia State Line). Led the company throughout its service in the 19th Virginia Cavalry.
  • Colonel William L. "Mudwall" Jackson – Regimental commander; known for leading cavalry raids and delaying Union advances.
  • Lieutenant Colonel William P. Thompson – Second-in-command of the regiment.

3. Role & Tactical Operations

The Dixie Boys, like the rest of the 19th Virginia Cavalry, were used for:
✔ Raiding Union supply lines and infrastructure (bridges, roads, depots, etc.)
✔ Scouting and reconnaissance in the Shenandoah Valley
✔ Ambushing Union patrols and wagon trains
✔ Delaying Union forces in retreat operations

Being outnumbered and outgunned in most engagements, they relied on local resources, terrain, and surprise attacks rather than open-field battles.

4. Major Battles & Campaigns

The Dixie Boys participated in several major engagements as part of the 19th Virginia Cavalry, including:

Jones-Imboden Raid (April-May 1863)

  • A Confederate cavalry raid into western Virginia, aiming to destroy railroad infrastructure and weaken Union control of the region.
  • The 19th Virginia Cavalry, including Company G, engaged in small skirmishes and supply raids.
  • The raid was partially successful but failed to permanently drive out Union forces.

Battle of Droop Mountain (November 6, 1863)

  • The largest battle fought in West Virginia.
  • The 19th Virginia Cavalry was part of Confederate forces under General John Echols, attempting to hold strategic ground against a Union advance.
  • Outcome: Union victory – Confederate troops, including Company G, were forced to retreat, leading to Union dominance in the Greenbrier Valley.

Shenandoah Valley Campaign (1864)

  • Company G participated in General Jubal Early’s 1864 campaign, engaging in raids, skirmishes, and delaying actions.
  • Battle of Fisher’s Hill (September 21–22, 1864) – Confederates suffered a major defeat.
  • Battle of Cedar Creek (October 19, 1864) – Another Confederate loss, effectively ending Southern operations in the Shenandoah Valley.

By late 1864, Confederate cavalry in western Virginia had been severely weakened, and by early 1865, the 19th Virginia Cavalry was scattered.

5. Impact & Legacy

  • The Dixie Boys and the 19th Virginia Cavalry played a critical role in Confederate resistance in western Virginia, but their resources and numbers dwindled after 1864.
  • The Confederate retreat from Droop Mountain marked the beginning of the end for Southern operations in West Virginia.
  • The regiment officially disbanded in April 1865, with some surrendering with Lee at Appomattox, while others scattered into guerrilla bands.

 For the purpose of this event, this company will be mostly in Richmond Depot uniforms.


The only requisition found thus far is from June, 1863.


 

Click HERE for more information on the

Arms and Equipment of the 19th and 20th Virginia Cavalry