The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Francis’ Regiment. It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department. Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 8 companies from Cumberland, York, Suffolk, and Lincoln Counties, Massachusetts, and Windham County, Connecticut. It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies. Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 11th Massachusetts Regiment. Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.