The Regiment was authorized on December 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion. Organized between January 2- February 11, 1776 at Chester to consist of 8 companies from Chester, Bucks and Lancaster Counties. It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to St. Clair's Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. Captain John Nelson's Independent Rifle Company consolidated on March 24, 1777 with the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment. It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 2nd Pennsylvania 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 9th Pennsylvania Regiment and re-designated as the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment; concurrently furloughed at Trenton, New Jersey. Disbanded on January 1, 1783.