The 3rd Continental Regiment also known as 4th Massachusetts Regiment or Learned's Regiment, was raised on April 23, 1775, by Colonel Ebenezer Learned outside Boston, Massachusetts. On January 1, 1776 Danielson's Regiment and Wood's Company, Cotton's Regiment, consolidated unit re-designated as the 3rd Continental Regiment, an element of Thomas' Brigade, to consist of 8 companies. On January 1, 1777, the 3rd Continental Regiment merged with King's Company, 21st Continental Regiment and re-designated as Shepard's Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. See 4th Massachusetts Regiment for more information.