In 1860 this was the drill ground of the Midway Guards, later Company B of the 15th Alabama C.S.A., which was ordered to Richmond. A second company formed in 1861 was assigned to Company C of the 45th Alabama C.S.A. and ordered to the Army of Tennessee. These companies and many later volunteers met the enemy in innumerable battles and skirmishes. "They immortalized General Lee and Lee immortalized them."