Orphan Brigade

First Kentucky Brigade
Active	1861–1865
Country	Confederate States
Allegiance	Kentucky
Branch	Confederate States Army
Size	Brigade
Nickname(s)	"Orphan Brigade"
Arms	Enfield rifled muskets
Engagements	American Civil War Battle of Shiloh First Battle of Corinth Defense of Vicksburg Battle of Baton Rouge Siege of Port Hudson Battle of Stones River Siege of Jackson Battle of Chickamauga Atlanta Campaign Battle of Stockbridge Battle of Oconee River Bridge Carolinas Campaign
Commanders
Commanding officers	Brig. Gen. John C. Breckinridge Brig. Gen. Roger W. Hanson † Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Helm † Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Lewis

The Orphan Brigade was the nickname of the First Kentucky Brigade, a group of military units recruited from Kentucky to fight for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The brigade was the largest Confederate unit to be recruited from Kentucky during the war. Its original commander was John C. Breckinridge, former United States vice president, and Kentucky's former senator, who was enormously popular with Kentuckians.