The Regiment was authorized on July 11, 1776 in the Continental Army as a Battalion for frontier defense in the Northern Department. Organized between July 15- September 15, 1776 at Kittanning to consist of 8 companies from Westmoreland, Bedford and Cumberland Counties. Re-designated on January 1, 1777 as the 8th 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. Captain Samual Morehead's Independent Company consolidated July 1778 with the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment. Consolidated on January 17, 1781 with the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment. Following the reduction of the Pennsylvania Line in the winter of 1780-81 the unit was redesignated "the detachment of the Pennsylvania Line", and consisted of two companies. It remained in the Western Department till the end of the war.