In May 1861, some 800 Marylanders offered their services to the Confederate States Army in Virginia, forming the 1st Maryland Infantry. The 1st Maryland soon won respect as the most neatly uniformed, most accurately drilled, and best disciplined unit in the Army of Northern Virginia. 

The 1st Maryland fought with honor at 1st Manassas, Jackson's Valley Campaign, and the Seven Days' Battles. 

In late 1862, the unit re-mustered into service as the 1st Maryland Battalion of Infantry (also referred to as the 2nd Maryland), and in the summer of 1863, fought bravely at Gettysburg taking heavy losses at Culp's Hill.

By April 1865, only 63 Marylanders were left to surrender at Appomattox.