The Twenty-sixth Alabama infantry was organized at Tuscumbia in 
December, 1861.

Its companies were recruited from the counties of Fayette, 
Marion, Walker, Winston, and the upper portions of Tuscaloosa 
county.

While yet in camp of instruction at Tuscumbia, two of its 
companies, under the command of Maj. John S. Garvin, were 
ordered to Fort Donelson, where they were captured; but, being 
released, rejoined their command in the spring, the regiment 
having in the meantime been transferred to the army of Northern 
Virginia and attached to Rodes' brigade of immortal memory, and 
served under Stonewall Jackson and R. E. Lee.

Many of the officers had already seen service in the Fifth 
Alabama, Colonel Rodes, and they were glad to be associated with 
their old command.

From the siege of Yorktown, April 5 to May 3, 1862, in which it 
took part, until the close of the war, the regiment was always 
in the battle front and won imperishable renown.  It fought in 
the battles around Richmond.  The regiment was led in the battle 
at Williamsburg, May 5th, by Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.

It was distinguished at Seven Pines, May 31st and June 1st.  It 
fought at Mechanicsville, June 26th; Gaines' Mill, June 27th and 
28th; Frayser's Farm, June 30th Malvern Hill, July 1st.  In 
these engagements nearly half the regiment were killed or 
wounded.

It was in the van of the army when it moved over the Potomac, 
and fought at Boonsboro, September 15th, and at Sharpsburg, 
September 17th.  At Fredericksburg, December 13th, it displayed 
its accustomed valor, and led by Lieutenant-Colonel Garvin, its 
gallant Colonel O'Neal being in command of the brigade, it 
shared the honor with the Fifth Alabama of being the first to 
charge and win the enemy's works at Chancellorsville, capturing 
three batteries.  Forced to fall back, it lost its colors, but 
returning, drove the enemy back and recovered them.

The praise of the Twenty-sixth was on every tongue and every 
report teemed with commendation of its valor.

It was at Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, 1863; Kelly's Ford, August 
1st; and Mine Run, November 26th to 28th.  In the spring of 
1864, the regiment was ordered on special duty to Dalton, GA, 
and afterward assigned to General Johnston's command.

It took part in the Atlanta campaign, always preserving its 
reputation and winning fresh laurels with every battle.  The 
regiment was in Tennessee with Hood and was badly crippled at 
Nashville, only a small remnant being left to surrender at 
Greensboro, N. C.

Its colonels were William R. Smith, who resigned his commission 
to take a seat in the Confederate Congress; Edward A. O'Neal, 
afterward brigadier-general and twice elected governor of 
Alabama, a gallant officer who was wounded at Seven Pines, 
Boonsboro and Chancellorsville.

The lieutenant-colonels were John S. Garvin, William H. Hunt and 
William C. Reeder; the majors, R. D. Redden and David F. Bryan. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Garvin was wounded at Chancellorsville and 
Franklin. Capt. Sidney B. Smith was wounded seven times. Capt. 
Thos. Taylor and Lieut. R. K. Wood were killed at 
Chancellorsville; Lieuts. John Fowler and W. L. Branyon were 
killed at Gettysburg.