The Regiment was authorized 25 May 1775 in the Continental Army as the 3d New York Regiment and assigned to the New York Department. Organized 28 June - 4 August 1775 to consist of 10 companies from Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Suffolk Counties. Reorganized and redesignated 27 April 1776 as the 2d New York Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 10 companies. Reorganized and redesignated 26 January 1777 as the 4th New York Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; concurrently , relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department. It was assigned 12 June 1777 to the 2d Connecticut Brigade, an element of the Highlands Department. It was assigned 22 August 1777 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. New Hampshire Brigade relieved 23 October 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army. Reorganized 30 May 1779, to consist of 9 companies. Consolidated 1 January 1781 with the 2d and 5th New York Regiments.