The Regiment was authorized on January 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 3d North Carolina Regiment. It was assigned on July 8, 1777 to the North Carolina Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reduced to a cadre on June 1, 1778 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and relieved from the North Carolina Brigade. Reorganized on July 9, 1778 at Halifax to consist of nine companies. Reduced to a cadre on April 17, 1779 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and relieved from the Middle Department and assigned to the Southern Department. Reorganized on November 5, 1779 at Halifax to consist of nine companies. It was assigned on February 14, 1780 to Parker's Brigade, an element of the Southern Department. Captured on May 12, 1780 at Charleston, South Carolina, by the British Army. Disbanded on January 1, 1783.