History
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 the town and its armaments. The 31st Virginia Militia went to Harper's Ferry, where it was organized into the 5th Regiment of Virginia Volunteer Infantry and assigned to Company K. The 5th was then placed under the command of Colonel Kenton Harper who was assigned to Colonel Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's command. The regiment was part of the First Brigade, which was later known as the famous Stonewall Brigade.
The Continental Morgan Gaurd or the 5th Virginia, Company K, served with distinction in all of the battles that the Army of Northen Virginia took part in. They participated in the battles of Falling Waters, First Manassas, The Romney/Bath Campaign, Jackson' s Spring Valley Campaign, The Seven Days Battles, Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Second Winchester, Gettysburg, Payne's Farm and The Wilderness. In the Spring of 1864 after heavy loses at Spotsylvania Court House, the 5th Regiment was reorganized. They then fought at the battles of Cedar Creek and Monocacy. After Cedar Creek and Monocacy they were sent into the Petersburg lines and participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run and Ft. Stedman. The 5th Regiment fought and were paroled at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
Under the Command of General John B. Gordon, The Stonewall Brigade, along with the 5th Virginia, was so highly respected by both Federal and Confederate forces alike; that it was given the highest place of honor. On the fateful day of April 9, 1865, they lead the procession at Appomattox Court House, and surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia.