Organized mainly from companies, including several prewar volunteer militia companies, raised in northeastern Arkansas, the regiment was among the first transferred to Confederate Service, and spent virtually the entire war serving in Confederate forces east of the Mississippi River.

On November 7, 1861, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant landed troops from Cairo, Illinois, via steamer on the Missouri side of the river.

As a result, the oldest surviving documents are from the regimental reorganization that took place nine months later in April 1862.

[18] All twelve-month regiments had to re-muster and enlist for two years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home.

[21] Despite their heavy losses at Shiloh the regiment continued to function as a part of the Army of the Mississippi.

[14] After the Kentucky Campaign, the unit was assigned to General Liddell/Govan's Brigade, Cleburn's Division, Army of Tennessee.

The flag of the combined 5th/13th Arkansas was issued in March 1864 and was captured by Benjamin Newman of the 88th Illinois Infantry at the battle of Franklin.

Both Jack and his master were wounded, but not till they had made most heroic efforts to drive back the insolent invaders.

Finally, after Jack had fired at the enemy twenty-seven times, he fell seriously wounded in the arm.

Jacks' son was upon the field, and loaded the rifle for his father, who shot at the enemy three times after he was upon the ground.

Jack was a brave and obedient servant, and deserves all praise for his heroic conduct upon the bloody field of Belmont.

The flag of the combined 5th/13th Arkansas was issued in March, 1864 and was captured by Benjamin Newman of the 88th Illinois Infantry at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee.

[36] The 5th/13th Arkansas flag, was one of five captured by the 88th Illinois at the Battle of Franklin, and none were forwarded to the War Department.

[25] On April 26, 1865, the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment was present with the Army of Tennessee when it surrendered in Greensboro, North Carolina.