The regiment was composed of nine companies from the southern parts of Alabama.

The regiment was formed at Pollard, Alabama on May 2, 1863 as a battalion with nine companies, and attached to the Department of the Gulf.

[1] It was increased to a regiment on April 11, 1864 and shortly after sent to Virginia, where it was placed Battle's Brigade, Rodes Division, II Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.

The transfer was a compensation for the 26th Alabama of that brigade, who had been sent on detached duty in February 1864 to convey prisoners to Andersonville, but did not return.

[2] The regiment served with that brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia and the Valley District, until the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865.