The unit was composed of companies from the following counties:[2] The regiment went by a variety of unofficial names during its existence.

When Colonel Robert Crittenden Newton was in command, it went by its official title of 5th Arkansas Cavalry.

[3] The commanders of the 5th/2nd/8th Cavalry include Colonels Robert C. Newton, Thomas J. Morgan, and W. A. Bevens.

As the 8th/2nd Arkansas under Colonel Morgan, the unit served in General Cabell's Brigade, Trans-Mississippi Department, and fought in the following engagements: This regiment actually disbanded prior to the formal surrendered[5] and the men were paroled at various places, but primarily at Jacksonport, Arkansas.

Christ, Mark K. “‘We Were Badly Whipped’: A Confederate Account of the Battle of Helena, July 4, 1863.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 69 (Spring 2010): 44–53.