8th Texas Cavalry

8th Texas Cavalry
Active	August, 1861 - April 26, 1865
Country	Confederate States of America
Allegiance	Confederate States of America,  Texas
Branch	Confederate States Army
Type	Cavalry
Role	shock troops
Size	regiment (1,787 men)
Nickname(s)	Terry's Texas Rangers
Engagements	American Civil War Battle of Shiloh Battle of Perryville Battle of Murfreesboro Battle of Fort Pillow Battles of Chattanooga Battle of Chickamauga
Commanders
Notable commanders	Col. Benjamin Terry Gen. John Wharton Gen. Thomas Harrison

The 8th Texas Cavalry, (1861–1865), popularly known as Terry's Texas Rangers, was a regiment of Texas volunteers for the Confederate States Army assembled by Colonel Benjamin Franklin Terry in August 1861. Though lesser known than The Texas Brigade, famous for their actions during the Battle of Gettysburg, the "Terry Rangers" distinguished themselves at several battles during the Civil War. In four years of service, Terry's Texas Rangers fought in about 275 engagements in seven states. The regiment earned a reputation that ranked it among the most effective mounted regiments in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.

Following the secession of Texas and its joining the Confederacy, Benjamin Franklin Terry, a wealthy sugar planter, recruited and organized the regiment in August 1861 in Houston, Texas. Initially intended to serve in Virginia, the regiment instead was placed under the command of Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnston for service in west of the Mississippi. They soon saw combat, their first skirmish taking place on December 17, 1861, near Woodsonville, Kentucky, when they engaged Union and were supported by the 6th Arkansas Infantry. The skirmish cost them Colonel Terry, who was killed in action. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Lubbock next became colonel, but died of disease before taking command. John A. Wharton was then made colonel, and held the position until he was promoted to Brigadier General. Wharton was in turn succeeded by Thomas Harrison.

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Wikipedia