Black Horse Cavalry

The Black Horse Cavalry was conceived at a gathering of Warrenton lawyers in 1858 and was among the local militia companies called to active duty by Governor Henry Wise in 1859. The Black Horse led a successful charge against Union forces at the First Battle of Manassas, winning the special praise of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Known as Company H of the 4th Virginia Cavalry, the unit served as bodyguard, escort, and scout for generals Joseph E. Johnston and Stonewall Jackson. Following the war, a number of the men of the Black Horse became prominent leaders in the Commonwealth.