Early in 1861, South Carolina planter Wade Hampton raised a mixed body of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery. He spent a substantial part of his fortune on uniforms and weapons, including artillery. The infantry was dispatched to fight at the July 21, 1861, battle of First Manassas with Hampton in command. Despite suffering 20 percent casualties on the field, the legion was commended. Afterward the legion's many branches were reassigned to their respective branches in the Confederate Army, but the infantry, which had reached battalion strength, retained the original designation throughout the war. The Hampton Legion fought in the Seven Days' battle, Second Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Knoxsville, the Overland Campaign, and Appomattox.
From: "Webb Garrison's Civil war Dictionary" by Webb garrison Sr. page 136.