The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Learned’s Regiment. Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from southwestern Worcester 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 Spencer’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. Reorganized on April 1, 1779 to consist of 9 companies. 2d Massachusetts Brigade relieved 7 July 7, 1779 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department. Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 4th Massachusetts Regiment. Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. Reassigned on June 12, 1783 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. Disbanded on November 3, 1783 at West Point, New York.