5th Virginia Infantry Battalion

The 5th Battalion, Virginia Infantry, also known as the Archer's Battalion, was raised in Virginia for service in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War and served as infantry. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia.

5th Battalion, Virginia Volunteer Infantry
Flag of Virginia, 1861
Active	May 1861 – September 1862
Disbanded	September 1862
Country	Confederacy
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Branch	Confederate States Army
Role	Heavy Artillery Infantry
Nickname(s)	Archer's Battalion
Engagements	American Civil War Peninsula Campaign Seven Days' Battles Battle of Cedar Creek Second Battle of Bull Run

The battalion completed its organization at Richmond, Virginia, in May 1861. Its six companies were raised in the counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Henrico, and Greensville.

The unit served as heavy artillery along the James River, including at Fort Huger, before being attached to General Armistead's Brigade. During June 1862, it contained 213 men, was active in the Seven Days' Battles, then disbanded in September. Many of its members transferred to the 53rd Virginia Infantry regiment.

The field officers were Lieutenant Colonel F.H. Archer, and Majors William R. Foster and John P. Wilson, Jr.

See also

• American Civil War portal

• List of Virginia Civil War units

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System. National Park Service.