The 52nd Virginia was organized at Staunton, Virginia, in August 1861. Many of its members were from Augusta County. It fought at Greenbrier River and Camp Alleghany, and later in Jackson's Valley Campaign. The unit was then assigned to Early's, W. Smith's, Pegram's, and J.A. Walker's Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia. It participated in various conflicts from the Seven Days' Battles to Cold Harbor, marched with Early to the Shenandoah Valley, and was active around Appomattox.
This regiment lost 2 wounded and 6 missing at Camp Alleghany, had 7 killed and 46 wounded at McDowell, and suffered 14 killed and 87 wounded at Cross Keys and Port Republic. It reported 29 casualties at Gaines' Mill, 61 at Second Manassas, 13 at Fredericksburg, and 12 at Chancellorsville. Of the 254 engaged at Gettysburg, six percent were disabled. On April 9, 1865, it surrendered with 7 officers and 53 men of which 14 were armed.
The field officers were Colonels John B. Baldwin, Michael G. Harman, John D. Lilley, John D.H. Ross, and Thomas H. Watkins.