The Regiment was authorized on May 6, 1775 in the Rhode Island Army of Observation as Hitchcock's Regiment. Organized on May 8, 1775 to consist of 8 companies from Providence County. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Greene's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and re-designated 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. Relieved on July 21, 1778 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the Rhode Island Brigade, an element of the Eastern Department. Reorganized on June 1, 1779 to consist of 9 companies. Consolidated on January 1, 1781 with the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and re-designated as the Rhode Island Regiment.