Evacuation of Harpers Ferry

Marched to Camp Johnston, near Bull Skin Run, between Charlestown and Winchester. The regiment’s sick were moved by rail to Winchester.

Battle of Manassas

Colonel Bartow took command of the brigade as senior colonel while Lieutenant Colonel Gardner commanded the regiment. The 8th Georgia began the battle stationed at the rear of McLean’s and Blackburn’s Fords on Bull Run. It was moved to Henry House Hill, then Colonel Bartow advanced to support Evans on Matthew Hill. After suffering heavy casualties the regiment withdrew around noon back to Henry House Hill.

Colonel Bartow then led them in an attack and was killed by a bullet to the chest. Lieutenant Colonel Gardner was badly wounded in the leg, and Major Cooper took command.

The regiment lost 42 men killed and 159 wounded, a total of 201. Captain C. W. Howard of Company D and Adjutant John L. Branch were killed. Captain John F. Cooper of Company H and Lieutenant Bartley M. Smith of Company F were mortally wounded. Lieutenants A. F. Butler of Company B and Edward W. Hull of Company D were wounded.

The 8th Georgia is referenced by a trailside marker on Matthews Hill on the Manassas battlefield.

Seven Days Battles

Savage Station

Colonel Lucius M. Lamar was badly wounded and captured. He would not return to the regiment, and Captain George O. Dawson took command. Lieutenant Thomas J. Blackwell of Company H was wounded.

Catlett’s Station

Lieutenant B.A. Christopher was wounded.

Second Battle of Manassas

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John R. Towers. Captain Jennings M.C. Hulsey of Company F and Captain Jacob Phinizie of Company K were killed. Captain George O. Dawson of Company I was wounded.

Lieutenant Thornberry J. Bowling was elected captain of Company K.

Maryland Campaign

Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam)

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John R. Towers. Ensign S.B. Barnwell was killed.

From the first of two War Department markers on G.T. Anderson’s Brigade on the Antietam battlefield:

Anderson’s Brigade was bivouacked on either side of the road at this point on the night of September 15, 1862 with skirmishers thrown forward near the Antietam. On the 16th its skirmishers were engaged with those of the Fourth United States Infantry. It remained in this position until the morning of the 17th, when it moved by the left through the ravine and Piper’s cornfield to the Bloody Lane near Roulette’s.

From the second War Department marker on G.T. Anderson’s Brigade at Antietam near the Sunken Road:

On the night of September 16, 1862, Anderson’s Brigade bivouacked on either side of the Boonsboro Turnpike near the end of the Sunken Road. On the morning of the 17th it advanced by the way of the ravine and Piper’s cornfield to and beyond this point, but being forced back, formed line a few feet north of this on the right of Rodes’ Brigade. It withstood several charges of Richardson’s Division, Sumner’s Corps, but shortly after noon, was compelled to retire in the direction of Sharpsburg. It reformed on the Hagerstown Pike, southwest of Piper’s House, and assisted in checking the Federal advance in that direction.

Battle of Fredericksburg

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John R. Towers.

Sufolk Campaign

Battle of Gettysburg

The regiment was commanded by Colonel John R. Towers and brought 312 men to the field. It lost 35 men killed, 108 wounded and 29 missing in fighting around The Wheatfield.

Captain George N. Yarbrough of Company H and Lieutenant Ben Gilham were killed, Captain John A. Young of Company G and Lieutenant Frederick Bliss of Company B were mortally wounded. Major George O. Dawson, Captain Ballard and Lieutenant J.C. Reid of Company I and Adjutant William F. Shellman were wounded. Captains A. F. Butler of Company B, H. E. Malone of Company E and Lieutenant Sandford W. Branch of Company B were wounded and captured.

From the War Department marker for G. T. Anderson’s Brigade at Gettysburg:

July 2. Reached the field about 4 P. M. and formed line. The 7th Regiment was sent southward to watch the Union Cavalry. The others charged into the woods south of Wheatfield and dislodged the Union line from the stone fence. Being outflanked on left retired to crest of Rose Hill. Reinforced by parts of other Brigades they again advanced. The brigades advanced a third time and after a struggle occupied the woodland to its border in Plum Run Valley.

July 3. The Brigade was sent down Emmitsburg Road and assisted in repulsing and holding in check Union cavalry which sought to flank the division

July 4. Assisted in constructing works to protect the flank.

July 5. About 5 a.m. began the march to Hagerstown, Md.

Battle of Chickamauga

Siege of Chattanooga

Siege of Knoxville

Battle of Fort Sanders

Captain S. H. Hall of Company A was mortally wounded. James T. Moore was elected captain as his replacement.

Bean’s Station

Battle of the Wilderness

Brigadier General Benning was wounded in the shoulder on May 5 and Colonel Du Bose of the 15th Georgia took command of the brigade. Captain Thomas J. Blackwell  of Company H was killed.

Lieutenant John C. Reid was elected captain of Company H.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Battle of Cold Harbor

Deep Bottom

Captain Thornberry J. Bowling of Company K was badly wounded and would not return to the regiment.

Battle of Chaffin’s Farm

Battle of Darbytown Road

Captain James T. Moore of Company A was wounded. He would not return to the regiment.

Appomattox Court House

The 8th Georgia Infantry Regiment surrendered 14 officers and 139 enlisted men under the command of Colonel John R. Towers.