Group History
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The War against Norther Aggression began in April of 1861. Three months later, in Trousdale, TN, the 7th Tennessee Regiment of Infantry was mustered into service. Company D took the nickname, "The Harris Rifles," in honor of Tennessee Governor, Isham Harris. By July 15, 1861, the men of the 7th found themselves as part of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV) under Brigadier General Samuel R. Anderson. The 7th, along with the 14th Tennessee, and later the 1st Tennessee, made up what was referred to as the "Tennessee Brigade." The order of battle would change over the next four years as the 7th found itself under the command of James Archer (Archer's Brigade), A.P. Hill, James Longstreet, and ANV overall Commander, Robert E. Lee. |
The 7th saw action in most major ANV engagements, including Seven Pines, Mechanicsville, 2nd Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (as part of Pickett's charge), Spotsylvania Courthouse, and Appomattox.
At Appomattox, the proud 7th Tennessee (once 1,000 strong) furled their battle flag for the last time with 47 men, of which only five were from "The Harris Rifles."
At Appomattox, the proud 7th Tennessee (once 1,000 strong) furled their battle flag for the last time with 47 men, of which only five were from "The Harris Rifles."
