Publisher's Synopsis
The Fifth Georgia Cavalry was formed with headquarters in Savannah under Special Order No. 20 of the Confederate War Department on January 20, 1863. Prior to this order, the men served as the First and Second Battalions of Georgia Cavalry, providing Coastal and Rural Georgia protection. Together with the Third Battalion (later called the Fourth Georgia Cavalry) they served as the bulk of the area. The Commander was Colonel Robert H. Anderson. He was promoted to Brigadier General and served under Major General Joseph "Fightin' Joe" Wheeler. After the war, Anderson became Savannah's first Chief of Police. A statue stands in Savannah commemorating his service. The Fifth Georgia provided Coastal Protection for Georgia until early 1864. In February of 1864, they dispatched to Florida for the Battle of Ocean Pond or Olustee. After the Confederate victory at Ocean Pond, the Fifth Georgia returned home to assist with the struggle against Union troops in North Georgia. They were engaged at the Battle of Noon Day Church, New Hope Church, Ezra Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, Marietta and The Battle of Atlanta. They saw action at Taylor's Creek, Brown's Mill, McCook's Raid, and Bear Creek Station. After Sherman began his March to the Sea, the Fifth Georgia was a part of Wheeler's Cavalry. After Georgia's destruction, the Fifth Georgia saw action in South Carolina at Broxton's Bridge, River's Bridge, Aiken and throughout the state. Companies Of The Georgia 5th Cavalry Regiment The Fifth Georgia soldiers were from counties of the southeastern portion of the state.
