The Regiment was authorized on September 1, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 1st North Carolina Regiment. Organized in fall 1775 at Salisbury and Wilmington to consist of 10 companies. Reorganized on January 4, 1776 to consist of 8 companies. It was assigned on July 8, 1777 to the North Carolina Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on June 1, 1778 to consist of nine companies. Captured on May 12, 1780 at Charleston, South Carolina, by the British Army. Reorganized in summer of 1781 at Hillborough and Salsbury to consist of nine companies and assigned to the North Carolina Brigade, an element of the Southern Department. Furloughed on April 23, 1783 at James Island, South Carolina. Disbanded on November 15, 1783.