The Regiment was authorized on May 6, 1775 in the Rhode Island Army of Observation as Varnum's Regiment. Organized on May 8, 1775 to consist of 8 companies from kings and Kent Counties. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Greene's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and redesignated on January 1, 1776 as the 9th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. Rhode Island Brigade relieved on September 14, 1777 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army. Reorganized in spring 1778 at Providence with negro enlisted personnel. Consolidated on January 1, 1781 with the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment and redesignated as the Rhode Island Regiment, also relieved from the Eastern Department and assigned to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on August 29, 1782 to the 2nd Connecticut Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized on June 16, 1783 to consist of 2 companies. Disbanded on December 25, 1783 at Saratoga, New York.