The 2nd Fluvanna Artillery was organized in June 1861, by Cary Cocke, the former colonel of the 12th Virginia Militia.

On September 3, cheered by local women as they departed, the Sons of Fluvanna (designated as the 1st Fluvanna Artillery) moved from Richmond to join the main Confederate Army stationed at Manassas.

Both the 1st and 2nd Fluvanna Artillery were assigned to the same battalion, and served in the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, but were held in reserve at the Second Battle of Manassas and at Sharpsburg.

The battery lost a gun and a caisson at the Battle of Shepherdstown covering Robert E. Lee's retreat.

Transferred as part of Jubal Early's command to the Army of the Valley, the battery participated in Early's raid on Washington, fighting in numerous engagements, including Monocacy and Cedar Creek.

On April 5, Captain Snead received orders to report to the Army of Northern Virginia, and the remainder of the Fluvanna Artillery marched out to join them.