The Regiment was authorized on October 12, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion. and assigned to the Main Continental Army. Organized between October 25- November 26, 1775 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from Philadelphia, Philadelphia City, Northampton, Berks and Bucks Counties. It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to St. Clair's Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. Reorganized and redesignated on January 1, 1777 as the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Consolidated on July 1, 1778 with the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment and redesignated as the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 9 companies. Reorganized on January 1, 1783 at Lancaster, to consist of 7 companies in the Middle Department and 2 companies in the Western Department. Furloughed on June 11, 1783 at Philadelphia (less 2 companies remaining active at Fort Pitt). Disbanded on November 15, 1783.