Book Description

The companies which made up the 28th Alabama Regiment were formed during the first three months of 1862 at Shelby Springs, Alabama on March 29th. Shelby Springs is located about half way between Calera and Columbiana in Shelby County. Originally, it was a vacation spot for the wealthy planters and plantation owners to enjoy the warm springs. In 1862, Camp Winn was established at Shelby Springs and the 28th Infantry Regiment received their training here. They were first assigned to Jackson's Brigade, but a few days later the regiment was made part of the newly formed Trapier's Brigade, Wither's Division. The new Brigade was made up of the 28th Alabama, 44th Mississippi (Blythe's Regiment), 10th and 19th South Carolina and Water's Alabama Battery. Later the 44th Mississippi was replaced by the 34th Alabama Regiment and the 24th Alabama joined the brigade at Tullahoma, Tennessee during November 1862. Arthur Manigault of South Carolina assumed command of the brigade. The 28th continued throughout the war with the Army of Tennessee. The 28th Alabama was a part of the first troops to reach Spring Hill, TN on November 29th, 1864. On November 30th, with only part of the army available, General Hood ordered them into battle. Some 18,000 men moved forward over a mile and a half of bluegrass fields. 6,000 men were either killed, wounded or captured at the Battle of Franklin. During these two final engagements of 1864 the 28th Alabama lost severely in men killed, wounded and captured. Early in 1865 one last effort was made by the south, General Johnston was brought back from retirement to once again command the army. His plan was to stop Union General Sherman's invasion of the Carolinas. At this time the 28th Alabama was in route across Alabama and Georgia to North Carolina to join General Johnston. Before ever reaching Johnston, his efforts were defeated at Bentonville, North Carolina. On March 10th, the day after General Lee's surrender to General Grant at Appomattox, the 28th Alabama was consolidated with the 24th and 34th Alabama Regiments retaining the numbers and colors of the 24th. On March 31st, the 28th Alabama rejoined its brigade at Smithfield. Unaware of Lee's surrender, the regiment marched toward Greensboro, North Carolina. As they advanced it became clear that the end had come. They finally surrendered at Greensboro on April 26th, 1865. Companies Of The Alabama 28th Infantry Regiment Co. "A," Perry County: W. Lavelle Butler (promoted); James H. Graham (wounded, Chickamauga); John F. Wilson (wounded, Franklin) Co. "B," Blount and Marshall Counties: John H. Turpin (wounded, Murfreesboro, and captured); E. R. Kiker (captured, Missionary Ridge) Co "C," Blount County: Maxmillan Tidmore (resigned); John Couch. Co "D," Jefferson County: William H. Nabors. Co "E," Walker County: H. A. M. Henderson (resigned); Hugh G. Loller (KIA, Resaca) Co "F," Walker County: Franklin A. Gamble (resigned); L. E. Gilbert. Co. "G," Jefferson County: Miller (resigned); John C. Morrow (resigned); G. W. Hewitt (wounded, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga) Co. "H," Jefferson County: J. F. Tarrant (resigned); W. M. Hawkins (KIA, Murfreesboro); William R. McAdory (KIA, Missionary Ridge); William. A. McLeod (KIA, Atlanta) Co. "I," Dallas County: F. M. Hopkins (captured, Missionary Ridge); Lt. P. G. Wood Co. "K," Perry County: Charles R. Harris (resigned); Homer M. Ford. Co. "L," Walker County: F. A. Musgrove (wounded, Murfreesboro)