The Regiment was authorized on May 25, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 2nd New York Regiment. They were assigned to the New York Department. Organized on June 28-August 4, 1775 at Albany. The force was to consist of 10 companies from Albany, Tryon, Charlette and Cumberland Counties. Reorganized and redesignated on April 15, 1776 as Van Schaick's Regiment to consist of 8 companies. Also, the regiment was relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to the Canadian Department. Consolidated on January 26, 1777 with the 4th New York Regiment and redesignated as the 1st New York Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 8 companies. It was assigned on May31 to the Pennsylvania Brigade and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on May 30, 1779 to consist of 9 companies. Consolidated on January 1, 1781 with the 3rd New York Regiment and redesignated as the 1st New York Regiment, an element of the New York Brigade. New York Brigade relieved on August 16, 1781 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army, furloughed on June 2, 1783 at Neburgh and disbanded on November 15, 1783.