It served throughout the war in the western theater, seeing action in the Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia campaigns.

The unit was enrolled in state service on July 13, 1861, at Camp Price[4] near Jacksonport, Arkansas.

[6] The unit was originally composed of units from the following counties:[7] The original regimental officers of the 8th Arkansas were:[10][11] The regiment was armed with weapons which the state confiscated when the Federal Arsenal at Little Rock was seized by Arkansas State Militia troops in February 1861.

Disposition of the weapons found in the Arsenal is somewhat sketchy, but from various records it can be surmised that the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Arkansas Infantry Regiments, mustered in June, 1861, were issued M1816/M1822 .69 caliber flintlocks.

[12] The 8th Arkansas saw no action in the coming months, only taking part in a small raid into Missouri with General Hardee's Command.

When Brigadier General Woods was wounded during the battle, Colonel Patterson assumed command of the brigade.

[5] In his after action report regarding the Battle of Shiloh, Colonel Patterson commented:[15] During the entire engagement the men and officers generally exhibited cool, determined gallantry, often exposing themselves to serious fire in squads by irregularity caused by an earnest desire to advance, and it is a melancholy fact that we lost more men in proportion to the wounds, in those places where irregular firing in the rear occurred than in engagements where we were exposed alone to the guns of the enemy.

All twelve-month regiments had to re-muster and enlist for two years or the duration of the war; a new election of officers was ordered; and men who were exempted from service by age or other reasons under the Conscription Act were allowed to take a discharge and go home.

[5] The regiment took part in the battle of Murfreesboro, as part of Liddell's brigade, of Cleburne's Division,[18] and captured two stand of colors, which were taken by Private James Riddle, of Company C, and Corporal N. A. Horn, of Company E. Colonel Kelly was wounded the second day and borne off the field, and Lieutenant Colonel G. F. Baucum assumed command of the regiment.

[19] By the time of the Chickamauga Campaign in September 1863, Colonel Daniel C. Govan had assumed command of Liddell's Brigade.

The 8th/19th Arkansas participated in the battles of Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church and Atlanta It sustained 32 killed (including Lt.

[23] The 8th/19 Arkansas and the rest of Govan's Brigade were released and exchanged just in time to participate in General John B.

Ladies of the town distinguished the flag with gold embroidered chain stitch, "March on!

The flag bears an inverted pair of crossed cannons, which is an honor for having captured a battery of field artillery.

The honor of crossed cannon, as well as the unit's position supporting Key's Battery, caused the confused attribution.

[35] On April 26, 1865, the 1st Arkansas Consolidated Infantry Regiment was present with the Army of Tennessee when it surrendered in Greensboro, North Carolina.