The 59th Alabama Infantry Regiment was formed by the consolidation of the Second and Fourth Battalions of
Hilliard's Legion. The Legion was organized at Montgomery, 25 June 1862, and consisted of five battalions ,
one of which was mounted, and being detached in a short time thereafter, became part of the Tenth Confederate
Regiment. The Second Battalion, six companies, was commanded by Lt. Col. Bolling Hall of Autauga and
Major W. Stubblefield of Coosa.
The Fourth Battalion was commanded by major John D. McLennan of Barbour.
The Legion proceeded to East Tennessee, nearly 3000 strong, under its commander, Col. Hilliard of Montgomery.
Proceeding to Cumberland Gap, it was part of the force that besieged that position. In October, the Legion was a
part of the force that occupied Kentucky, a fatiguing march. It passed the winter and summer following in East
Tennessee, during which time Col. Jack Thorington of Montgomery (First Battalion) succeeded Col.Hillards, and
in April 1863 it was attached to Gen'l Gracie's Brigade. The Legion was in the Battle of Chickamauga where it
lost more than half its number; the flag of the Second Battalion, for example, had 81 bullet holes. Moving into East Tennessee,
Col. Thorington having resigned, the Legion was divided into the 59th and 60th Alabama Regiments, and 23rd
Battalion, at Charleston, 25 Nov 1863. The 59th was in the investment of Knoxville and the
fights at Dandridge and Bean's Station, with some casualties, especially at the latter.
In April 1864, the regiment reached Richmond and shortly after took part in the battle of Drewry's Bluff and the
fight with Sheridan. From June until the March following, the 59th was in the trenches of Petersburg
or in the numerous conflicts on the flank and rear of the army, losing a number at Hatcher's Run and White Oaks Road.
As part of Gordon's Corps, Bushrod Johnston's Division, the regiment was engaged at Appomattox and there surrendered.
