In May 1862, the Confederate States Army authorized John R. Baylor to organize five battalions of Partisan Rangers of six companies each.

Their purpose was to recapture the southwestern territories lost during the New Mexico campaign, hence the name Arizona Brigade.

The regiment fought at Brashear City, Sterling's Plantation, and Bayou Bourbeux before wintering near Galveston in 1863–1864.

The regiment was in action during the 1864 Red River Campaign, fighting at Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, Monett's Ferry, and Yellow Bayou.

After an argument about the orders, Baylor shot his superior officer John A. Wharton to death.