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As a young man, Barksdale moved to Columbus, Miss., where he practiced law and was editor for the proslavery Columbus Democrat. During the Mexican War he was enlisted in the 2nd Mississippi and was promoted to captain Jan. 1847. After leaving the army Barksdale entered politics, and resigned his seat in Congress when Mississippi passed the secession ordinance. He first served the state as quarter master general in spring 1861, then joined the army, enlisting as a colonel in the 13th Mississippi.
His command was ordered east, and fought in all the major early battles, with the exception of Second Manassas (or Bull Run). Barksdale was considered a competent and respected regimental commander, leading Brig. Gen. Richard Griffith to recommend him for promotion to brigadier general Apr. 1862. Griffith cited Barksdale's bravery under fire and attributed to him "the highest qualities of the soldier." Barksdale led his regiment through the Penninsula Campaign, assuming brigade command upon the wounding of Griffith at Savage's Station, and received his promotion to brigadier general to rank from Aug. 12.
Barksdale's cmmand consisted of his own and 3 other Mississippi regiments. The hard-fighting unit became known as Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade. An aggressive officer who earned praise as a stubborn defender of his line regardless of the odds, Barksdale was also a commander eager to take the offensive. In a defensive position, he deployed his troops with great efficiency: ordered to hold Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg, May 2, 1863, he delayed the Federal advance until midday on the 3rd, buying Gen. Robert E. Lee several hours to prepare for battle at Chancellorsville. Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws recalled him as a "radiant wild joy" who was always far ahead of his men in a charge. While ordered to charge the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg on July 2nd, Barksdale found himself far ahead of his troops, and fell mortally wounded. He was taken prisoner, dying the next day within enemy lines.
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