It was the only Kentucky regiment in the Confederate service to serve in the Army of Northern Virginia.
The 3rd Kentucky Battalion commanded by Major Benjamin M. Anderson had been stationed at Richmond, Virginia.
All three battalions were consolidated into the 1st Regiment Kentucky Volunteers at Manassas Junction, Virginia.
The two battalions moved with Joe Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah to join Beauregard's Army of the Potomac at Manassas Junction, but arrived the day following the First Battle of Bull Run under the command of Major Thomas Claiborne.
Following the battle, the 1st Kentucky Infantry was ordered back to Richmond where it remained until its twelve-month enlistment expired.