The unit was originally organized as the 3rd Regiment at Camp Robertson, Bledsoe County, Tennessee, in May 1862.

Four companies were supplemented to James W. Starnes' 8th Cavalry Battalion to form the new regiment.

[1] The men were from the counties of Wilson, Marshall, Bedford, Rutherford, Smith, Marion, Coffee, and Franklin.

[2] The 4th Tennessee Cavalry saw action at the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, Franklin, Chickamauga, and in the Atlanta Campaign.

[1] In one of the cavalry battles around Tullahoma, Colonel James W. Starnes was killed in action.