The 16th Virginia Cavalry was formed in August 1862 by the consolidation of Ferguson's Battalion and Caldwell's Battalion of Cavalry. Milton J. Ferguson formed his Battalion in Western Virginia in 1861 and Otis Caldwell formed his Battalion in Southwestern Virginia in 1862. The 16th served in many engagements despite not seeing any action until 1863. They quickly made up for lost time by being in the first Brigade to cross into the North during the Gettysburg Campaign. They were also one of the last units to leave the North a few weeks later. Later, the 16th fought in the battle on Monocacy and was part of Early's raid on Washington. Other engagements include Droop Mountain, Moorfield, Third Winchester, and Fisher's Hill.
