The Regiment was authorized on January 10, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 3rd New Jersey Regiment and assigned to the New York Department. Organized between February 7 - May 18, 1776 at Elizabethtown to consist of 8 companies. Relieved on March 14, 1776 from the Middle Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the New Jersey Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on February 7, 1779 to consist of 9 companies. Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at Pompton, Men merged into the 1st and 2nd New Jersey Regiments.