The Regiment was authorized on December 23, 1778 in the Virginia State Troops as the Regiment of Guards. Adopted on January 9, 1779 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department. Organized in January 1779 at Albemarle Barracks (Charlottesville), Virginia, to consist of 9 companies from Amherst, Buckingham, Louisa, Orange, Culpepper, and Goochland Counties. Reorganized on December 10, 1779 to consist of 7 companies. Disbanded between April 10- June 9, 1781 at Winchester and Watkin's Ferry.