When the nine-month 2nd Nebraska Cavalry Regiment was mustered out of service in the fall of 1863, Governor Alvin Saunders authorized the raising of an independent battalion of cavalry from the ranks of the 2nd Nebraska Cavalry to serve for the balance of the war.

The battalion was organized in four companies at Omaha, Nebraska between January and August, 1864 by Major George Anderson.

After the end of the Civil War the battalion was consolidated with the 1st Nebraska Cavalry Regiment on July 10, 1865.

Duty at Fort Cottonwood, Nebraska Territory, October and November, 1864.

Duty at Cottonwood Springs until February, 1865, and at Gillman's Station until July, 1865.