 Shelby's Iron Brigade was originally formed, in 1863, under orders, from Major General Thomas C. Hindman, following a successful recruiting expedition, into Missouri, by Joseph O. Shelby, Upton Hays and John T. Coffee; who each recruited, a regiment of cavalry.These new regiments - Shelby's 5th, Hays's 11th and Coffee's 6th (redesignated as 12th), were brigaded, under the command of Colonel Shelby.Shelby's Iron Brigade, based themselves in Arkansas, participated in four major raids, into Missouri, during the war, earning a reputation, as the most formidable brigade in the theater.