The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Sargent’s Regiment. Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Vacant’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 16th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Vacant’s Brigade. Reassigned on August 31 from Mifflin’s Brigade and assigned to Sargent’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as Michael Jackson’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Sargent’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department. It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to the 4th Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. 4th 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 8th Massachusetts Regiment. Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York and disbanded on November 15, 1783.