Formed in 1861 by its namesake, Wade Hampton III, the largest landowner in South Carolina, the Legion joined the Confederate States servicewith units of artillery, infantry and cavalry. The original Hampton Legion was unique in that it had all three main branches of the army, cavalry, infantry and artillery. With the re-organization of the Confederate Army in 1862, the legion was broken up and assigned to other units. The infantry was transferred to John B Hood's Texas Brigade. The Cavalry went to J.E.B. Stuart as the 2nd S.C. Cavalry where it served with distinction throughout the war. Hampton took over command of the Confederate Cavalry in 1864 following Stuart's death. The artillery portion of the legion was converted to horse artillery, (all members mounted), and fought with the cavalry throughout the remainder of the war. During the war, the Legion produced 43 general officers, 4 of which would on day become Generals.