The Regiment was authorized on January 11, 1776 in the Virginia State Troops as the 7th Virginia Regiment. Organized between February 7- May 8, 1776 at Gloucester Court House to consist of 10 companies from Halifax, Albemarle, Botetourt, Gloucester, King William, Essex, Middlesex, Cumberland, King and Queen, Orange and Fincastle Counties. Adopted on June 17, 1776 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department. It was assigned on May 11, 1777 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 5th Virginia to consist of 9 companies. Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina. Disbanded on January 1, 1783.