It was mustered into Federal service on August 25, 1862, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac's XII Corps.

Despite being in existence for less than a month, and with bare rudimentary military training, it was thrown into a combat role at the September 17, 1862, Battle of Antietam.

There it fought near the Dunkard Church and performed relatively well considering the unit's inexperience.

Its further service would see the regiment take part in the Battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Atlanta Campaign (most notably at the Battle of Peachtree Creek), the March to the Sea, and Bentonville.

A large monument to the unit was erected on Carman Avenue, McAllister Woods in the Gettysburg National Military Park.