The regiment was organized from May - August 1861 and sent to Iuka for training under the command of Colonel John M. Simonton, reporting a total strength of 682 men.

The first major action of the 1st Regiment was at Battle of Fort Donelson, where it was involved in heavy fighting and captured by General Ulysses S. Grant's army along with the rest of the Confederate forces there.

Colonel Simonton was reassigned during the Siege of Port Hudson from May - July 1863, with Major Thomas H. Johnston taking command of the regiment.

In May 1864, after most of the men had been exchanged, but while many of the officers were still being held as prisoners of war,[1] the 1st Regiment was assigned to General Winfield S. Featherston's command, but would not reach nor participate in the Atlanta Campaign until late July and early August.

Prior to their arrival in Georgia the bulk of the regiment who were exchanged and fit for field service participated as skirmishers at the Battle of Tupelo.