Terry, there's not a whole lot of information on the early history of the 3rd Confederate Infantry. From what I've managed to piece together, the organization started out as 7 of 22 companies which comprised the so-called "Hindman Legion." Col. Thomas C. Hindman had recruited ten companies at his own expense for the 2nd Arkansas Infantry, and then an additional seven companies at his own expense which, along with four cavalry companies and an artillery battery, became known as the Hindman Legion. The Legion was not approved as an organization, and, after being mustered into the Confederate service on July 27, 1861, reverted to a regiment (the 2nd Arkansas), an infantry battalion (the 1st Arkansas Battalion) and a cavalry battalion (the 6th Arkansas Battalion).

Capt. John S. Marmaduke was assigned as commander of the 1st Arkansas Battalion and promoted to lieutenant-colonel on August 1, 1861. A company from the 15th Tennessee Infantry was transferred to the 1st Arkansas Battalion, and two additional companies were added on December 18, 1861, which brought the battalion up to ten companies. On January 1, 1862, the unit was formally designated as a regiment -- the 18th Arkansas Infantry -- and Marmaduke was promoted to colonel. On January 31, 1862, the regiment was redesignated as the 3rd Confederate Infantry.

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Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office,
Richmond, January 31, 1862.

XVIII. The designation of the hereinafter-named regiments (they being composed of companies from different States) are changed as follows: Col. John B. Villepigue's 36th Georgia to be known as the 1st Confederate Regiment; Col. J. D. Martin's 25th Mississippi to be known as the 2nd Confederate Regiment; Col. J. S. Marmaduke's 18th Arkansas to be known as the 3rd Confederate Regiment.

By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.