The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Phinney’s Regiment. Organized in spring 1775 in Cumberland County to consist of 10 companies from Cumberland County. Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Scammon’s Regiment and Watkin’s Company, Peterson’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 18th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Heath’s Brigade. Reorganized and re-designated (less 2 companies) on January 1, 1777 as Samuel Brewer’s Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 8 companies; 2 companies concurrently consolidated with the 15th Continental Regiment. It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to 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 12th Massachusetts Regiment. Reassigned on November 14, 1779 from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.