In 1861, Hill joined the Confederate Army as a colonel in the 13th Virginia Infantry. He quickly rose through the ranks from colonel to lieutenant. He served at First Manassas, after which he received promotion to brigadier general, in which capacity, he served at Williamsburg, Yorktown, and the Peninsula Campaign. In late 1862, he received his promotion to major general, serving at Hanover Court House, Seven Days, Cedar Mountain, First Manassas, the capture of Harper's Ferry, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was promoted to the commander of corps, but his performance at Bristoe Station disappointed Lee. During the Overland campaign, he was in charge, but not in command. He was shot on April 2, 1865 by a Union soldier near Petersburg.
