It served in the Eastern Theater from November 1861 to August 1865, in the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.

[3] Platt's appointment was an honor sometimes afforded to an individual who aided in raising and equipping a regiment; subsequent commanders included Jonas P. Holliday, Charles Henry Tompkins, Edward B. Sawyer, Addison W. Preston, William Wells, and Josiah Hall.

The regiment most notably participated in BG Elon Farnsworth's unsuccessful attack on the Confederate right flank on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Maj William Wells led a battalion in that attack, with Farnsworth by his side.

[4] The regiment's heritage continues to be celebrated to this day with a state legislative decree naming the Corps of Cadets at Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont, as members of the regiment.