The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 12th Virginia Regiment. Organized on February 12, 1777 to consist of 5 companies from Hampshire, Berkley, Botetourt, Dunmore and Prince Edward Counties and 4 existing companies of State Troops (organized August 1775 - September 1776 from Botetourt, Augusta, Hampshire and Frederick Counties and the West Augusta District) in garrison at Fort Pitt, Point Pleasant, Tyger's Valley and Wheeling. It was assigned on May 11, 1777 to the 4th Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. 4th Virginia Brigade redesignated 22 July 22, 1778 as the 3rd Virginia Brigade. Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 8th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies; concurrently relieved from the 3rd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade. Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina. Disbanded on January 1, 1783.