It helps to understand the circumstances of the day. The 33rd Alabama Regiment was one of twenty Alabama regiments raised by emergency call of Governor Shorter after the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson. The call was issued in late February of 1862. The Confederate government responded to the emergency by removing veteran troops from the Gulf Coast and sending them to defend Tennessee. Several regiments then stationed at Pensacola and Mobile were ordered north.

To replace them many companies being organized for the new regiments were assigned to Pensacola and Mobile. Encampments, fortifications, transportation, quartermaster stores and provisions were readily available at both points. Neither Pensacola or Mobile were immediately threatened with invasion, so these made good sites to organize, train and supply new organizations.

The 33rd Alabama Regiment organized near Pensacola, Florida, April 23, 1862, officers and men enlisting for three years or the war. Many companies assigned to it had been assembling since early March in camp at Greenville AL. Organized as the "Dale County Grays", officers and men who later formed Co. "B" camped at Clopton AL during February 1862. Members enrolled in Confederate service on Mar 11, 1862, electing officers about four days later at Eufaula AL. The first company roll was dated Apr 8, 1862, Fort McRee FL.