The 21st Virginia Bn. also known as the Pound Gap Battalion was organized with 6 companies in the Fall of 1861 in Lee, Scott,
Wise and Buchanan counties, on the Kentucky frontier, under the command of Major John B. Thompson. On November 24, 1862 it was consolidated with the 29th Virginia Battalion by Special Order #275 per the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office and re-designated the 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry A.K.A. the 64th Virginia Cavalry. The 64th was ably led by Auburn Pridemore. The 21st Battalion served in Marshall's Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, and in the District of Abingdon, Dept. of Southwest Virginia. It fought in one battle at Pound Gap, KY on March 16, 1862.