Pearl River County was formed after the Civil War from portions of Hancock and Marion Counties. The following Confederate military units were formed in those two parent counties of Pearl River County.
Hancock County: Capt. Robards' Company (Co. G, 3rd Battn. Inf. Minute Men); Gainesville Volunteers (Co. G, 3rd MS Infantry); Hancock Rebels (Co. C, 38th MS Inf. [Mtd.]); Poitevent's Company (Co. B, 17th Battn. MS Cav.); Shieldsboro Rifles (Co. F, 3rd MS Inf.).
Marion County: Columbia Guards (Co. I, 38th MS Inf. [Mtd.]); Jeff Davis Sharpshooters (Co. D, 7th MS Inf.); Marion Grays (Co. G, 2nd MS Inf. Minute Men); Marion's Men (Co. F, 7th MS Inf.).
The Hancock Rebels were formed at Hobolochitto, now known as Picayune, and are the city's only known Confederate unit. They served at the Battle of Iuka and Corinth, as well as at the 47 day Siege of Vicksburg. Though originally an infantry unit, they were mounted in 1864 and served under famed Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest at the Battle of Harrisburg, MS. Twenty-one "Rebels" died during the war.