Initially organized as 2 separate Partisan Ranger battalions, the 56th Regiment was created in the summer of 1863 and took part in several campaigns of the Western Theater of the American Civil War before surrendering in the spring of 1865.

In contrast to resistance fighters in 20th century conflicts, Confederate Partisan Rangers wore military uniforms, were subject to the regular chain of command, and were enrolled as soldiers in the army.

However, professional officers such as Robert E. Lee[2] believed that Partisan Ranger units wasted manpower that could be directed to the more effective regular army.

Prior to consolidation, these battalions had been assigned to guard and picket duty in Alabama and Mississippi.

[5] Both battalions fought at the Battle of King's Creek near Tupelo, Mississippi on May 5, 1863, under the command of General Daniel Ruggles.