The 17th Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in January of 1862 and commanded by Colonel Robert T.P. Allen. Field Officers were Colonel George W. Jones, Colonel Joseph Z. Miller, Major J. W. Tabor, Surgeon D. Port Smythe, Assistant Surgeon R. H. Lewis, Assistant Commissary Cyrus Coffy, Adjutant T. M. Hunt. In January - February 1862, the 17th Texas Infantry was assigned to the Department of Texas. In February - May 1862, the regiment was assigned to the Eastern District of Texas, Department of Texas. In May - August 1862, they were assigned to Eastern District of Texas, Department of Trans Mississippi. On September 6, 1862, Henry E. McCulloch takes command of the Texas Division and organizes it into four Brigades. General John G. Walker commands the division and General McCulloch was assigned command of the third brigade. On February 9, 1863, the Division marches to Camp Wright and the 17th Texas Infantry is attached to the District of Arkansas, Trans-Mississippi Department. On April 24th, the regiment marched to Louisiana. The regiment participated in the Red River Campaign and the Camden Expedition in March-May 1864.In May 1863-April 1864, the regiment is attached to the District of West Louisiana, Trans Mississippi Department. On May 31st, at Perkins Landing, the Brigade faces the enemy for the first time driving them back. June 7th McCulloch's Brigade arrived near Miliken's Bend on the Mississippi river and encountered the Union forces. On July 12, 1863, the 17th Texas Infantry marches to Alexandria, Louisiana. General McCulloch, is replaced by Colonel George Flournoy, on July 22, 1863.
The 17th Infantry marched many miles, across Arkansas and Louisiana, until April 8, 1864, when Walkers Division encounters the enemy at Mansfield., Louisiana. Confederate losses were estimated at 600 men killed or wounded. The enemy losses were estimated at 1500 killed or wounded and 2000 men and 20 pieces of Artillery were captured. On April 9, 1864, the 17th Texas Infantry participated in the battle of Pleasant Hill. On April 30, 1864, The regiment encountered the enemy, at Jenkins Ferry, crossing the Saline river. The battle lasted forty minutes. General Scurry died from wounds he received in the battle a few days afterward. November 12, 1864, was a big day for the 17th Texas Infantry, the troops receive their wages for the first time in 2 years. On March 15, 1865, the regiment crossed the border into Texas. The17th Texas Infantry was surrendered by General E. Kirby Smith of the Trans-Mississippi Department on May 26th 1865