The Regiment was authorized on June 14, 1775 in the Continental Army as 6 separate companies of Pennsylvania Riflemen and assigned to the Main Army. Re-designated on June 22, 1775 as the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. Organized between June 25- July 20, 1775 to consist of 9 companies from Cumberland, Lancaster, Northumberland, Northampton, Bedford, Berks and York Counties. Re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 1st Continental Regiment. It was assigned on April 24, 1776 to Sullivan's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on July 1, 1778 to consist of 9 companies. Consolidated on January 17, 1781 with the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment and re-designated as the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment; concurrently furloughed at Trenton, New Jersey and relieved from the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade. Reorganized on January 1, 1783 at Ashley Hills, South Carolina, to consist of 9 companies, and assigned to the Southern Department. Furloughed on June 11, 1783 at Philadelphia. Disbanded on November 15, 1783.