In discussing historic events with others, the question came “Which Texas units served in Tennessee”? The question alerted to the assumption that Texans knew their history. I realized that many Texans and fans of Texas are not aware of the extent that Texans served in Tennessee during the War for Southern Independence. Not only did Texans serve in Tennessee, they develop good relationships with the people of Tennessee. Over the course of the war, Texans often delighted in fighting to protect Tennessee from the invading armies. Texans also brought the first rodeo to Nashville.

Texas units fought in many engagements throughout the State of Tennessee. Some were major engagements, while some were skirmishes at locations that may not even have a name. The major engagements are considered the battles of Shiloh, Chattanooga, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Donelson, Stone’s River (Murfreesboro), Memphis, Island #10, Spring Hill, Fort Sanders and others. In all there were 38 large engagements fought in Tennessee. The number of smaller engagements far exceeds that number.

In each of the engagements where Texas units were involved, they distinguished themselves. The generals from Texas also showed notable leadership for their units and the others they led in combat. Generals like John A Wharton, Hiram Granbury, Albert Sidney Johnston, Thomas Harrison and Lawrence “Sul” Ross distinguished themselves on the fields of Tennessee. Some of them never returned home from the war, having died leading their men into battle. Each of these commanders began with their units from Texas and rose through the ranks of the Confederate armies. Those that did survive the war continued exhibiting a dedication to their communities after the war as well.

There were also many Texans that did not make it home. They found their final resting place in the fields of Tennessee. Some died in battle, while others died of disease. It was said that disease killed more than the bullets. When fighting occurred, it took place over various terrains and conditions. From charges through the flowering peach blossoms at Shiloh, through the freezing cold of Dover, the long summer of the Tullahoma campaign, trying to stay warm in the Smoky Mountains during the siege of Fort Sanders, or the fight above the clouds at the Battle of Chattanooga and long cavalry raids across the whole state. Texans were in many of the crucial struggles.

Although the Texas Brigade is possibly the best known military group, there were others from Texas that also developed notable reputations for their accomplishments. Among these are Ector’s Brigade, Ross’s Brigade, and Granbury’s Texas Brigade. The men in Granbury’s brigade developed such a reputation, that their opponents were fearful at just seeing the flag of the brigade flying in combat. Such fear-inspiring reputations were purchased dearly.

The following Texas units served in Tennessee:

Cavalry:

8^th Texas Cavalry

11^th Texas Cavalry

15^th Texas Cavalry

(Ector’s Brigade)

10^th Texas Cavalry

14^th Texas Cavalry

(Ross’s Brigade)

3^rd Texas Cavalry

6^th Texas Cavalry

9^th Texas Cavalry

27^th Texas Cavalry

1^st Texas Legion

1^st Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

17^th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

18^th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

24^th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

25^th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

32^nd Texas Cavalry (Dismounted)

Infantry:

1^st Texas Infantry

4^th Texas Infantry

5^th Texas Infantry

6^th Texas Infantry

7^th Texas Infantry

9^th Texas Infantry

15^th Texas Infantry

Artillery:

Douglas’s Texas Battery (aka Good-Douglas Battery or the Light Dallas Artillery)