The 5th Regiment, Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Company K, had its origins in the 31st Virginia Militia and was known as the Continental Morgan Guard. After acceptance into the 5th Virginia,in June 1861, it retained its militia name and was given the letter designation K. Originally organized in Frederick County, Virginia, the 31st Virginia Militia Co. A was the oldest pre-war militia unit to serve within the 5th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The 5th ahad members that served from Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Hampshire, Morgan, Rockbridge, and Warren Counties Virginia (Probably others too).
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 31st Virginia Militia went to Harper's Ferry, where it was organized into the 5th Regiment of Virginia Volunteer Infantry and assigned the designation of 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 Virginia Brigade, which was later known as the famous Stonewall Brigade.
The Continental Morgan Guard, 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 Bath/Romney Campaign, Kernstown, Port Republic, Winchester, Gaines Farm, Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Second Winchester, Gettysburg, Bealton Station, 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 Monocacy Third Winchester, and Cedar Creek. After Cedar Creek 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. |
