The Alabama 4th (Russell's) Cavalry Regiment was formed at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in December, 1862, by consolidating four companies from the 3rd (Forrest's Old) Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, six companies of the 4th Alabama Battalion, and the Russell Rangers or 15th Tennessee Cavalry Battalion. At Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 1862, four companies of the original battalion with which Gen. Forrest entered the service, were united with the six companies of the Fourth Alabama battalion, and the regiment organized. Its members were from the counties of Madison, Wilcox, Monroe, Cherokee, Jackson, Marshall, and Lawrence. The four companies that had been with Forrest for 15 months, had fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and numerous other engagements. The regiment was assigned to General J.T. Morgan's and W.W. Allen's Brigade. It participated in the Battles of Lexington, Trenton, Jackson, Parker's Cross Roads, and Chickamauga, then was involved in the Knoxville and Atlanta Campaigns.