The 30th Battalion, Virginia Sharpshooters was created in 1862 from the remains of three artillery batteries with the addition of three further companies made up of transfers.

[1] Both units served under General John B. Floyd from the beginning of the war until surrendering at Battle of Fort Donelson.

Wharton's brigade was again moved east, fighting at Cold Harbor before returning west with General Jubal Early's Second Corps to stop Maj. Gen. David Hunter from destroying the vital supply center at Lynchburg, Virginia.

The battalion was part of General Jubal Early's Army of the Valley for the rest of its service fighting in all major battles during the raid on Washington, DC and the retreat from it.

During the battalion's service its field officers included Lieutenant Colonel John Lyle Clark and Major Peter J. Otey.