Company D was mustered into state service in Marshall County, Mississippi, during the spring of 1861. It was made up of men of many professions, including artists, students, ditch diggers, farmers, physicians, railroad workers, and tradesmen.

During its four years of service, the 17th Mississippi fought in four states and took part in more than 40 different engagements, including Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor.

This famed regiment played a critical role in the capture of Harpers Ferry in 1862 by forcing Union defenders off of nearby Maryland Heights.

At the Battle of Sharpsburg in September of 1862, the boys of the 17th helped drive Union troops out of the West Woods, past the Dunker Church, and into the North Woods. They fought continuously for more than half a mile.

The Battle of Fredericksburg that December was perhaps the 17th's finest hour. By taking shelter in the town, they were able to keep the entire Union army from crossing the Rappahannock River for 12 hours. They were virtually unsupported as they picked off Union soldiers who attempted to construct pontoon bridges.

Wrote Gen. Lonstreet, "A more gallant and worthy service is rarely accomplished by so small a force."

While the rest of Gen. Lee's army engaged the enemy at Chancellorsville the following May, the 17th was placed at Fredericksburg as a rear guard. They held the stone wall atop Marye's Heights as the entire Union VI Corps moved to push back Gen. Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade. Despite being outnumbered 20 to 1, the brigade (17th included) fought hand to hand with their foe until the blue tide became too great.

Wrote Gen. Barksdale of the 17th, "A more heroic struggle was never made by a mere handful of men against overwhelming odds. According to the enemy's own accounts, many of this noble little band resisted to the death with clubbed guns even after his vast hordes has swept over and around the walls."

On February 17th, 1864, every member of the regiment reenlisted for 40 years or until the conclusion of the war. The men stated that they were against any peace that didn't bring southern independence with it.

The 17th fought fearlessly all the way to Appomattox Court House, where they tore their flag to shreds rather than surrendering it to the Yankees.