The Regiment was authorized on May 22, 1775 in the New Hampshire State Troops as the 2d new Hampshire Regiment. Organized between May 24- June 18, 1775 under the command of Colonel Enoch Poor, at Exeter to consist of 10 companies from Strafford and Rockingham Counties. Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and redesigned on January 1, 1776 as the 8th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 Companies. It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to Reed's Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. Reorganized and redesignated on January 1, 1777 as the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. It was assigned on April 28, 1777 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. July 7, 1777, it was under command of Col. Nathan Hale, who was taken prisoner with the entire regiment at Hubbardton, Vermont. New Hampshire Brigade relieved on October 20, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and redesignated on March 1, 1783 as the New Hampshire Battalion, to consist of 4 companies.