Because the regiment was organized while Kentucky tried to remain neutral, it was not recognized until June 4, 1861, when it was reorganized and mustered in for a three-year enlistment under the command of Colonel James V. Guthrie.
Although credited to Kentucky, the regiment was almost entirely composed by Ohio volunteers.
[1] The regiment was ordered to the Kanawha Valley, Virginia, July 10, 1861, and attached to Kanawha Brigade, Western Virginia, to October 1861.
22nd Brigade, 4th Division, II Corps, Army of the Ohio, to November 1862.
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Left Wing, XIV Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January 1863.
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, XXI Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October 1863.
March to Sissonville in rear of Wise, returning via Ravenswood and Charleston July 14–26.
Buell's Campaign in northern Alabama and middle Tennessee June to August.
March to Louisville, Kentucky, in pursuit of Bragg, August 21-September 25.
Pursuit of Bragg to London, Kentucky, October 1–22.
Destruction of Salt Works at Goose Creek October 23–24.
March to Nashville, Tennessee, October 24-November 9, and duty there until December 26.
Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River, and Chickamauga Campaign August 16-September 22.