The regiment was composed of African American enlisted men commanded by white officers and was authorized by the Bureau of Colored Troops which was created by the United States War Department on May 22, 1863.

Colored Infantry was organized at Rikers Island, New York February 9, 1864 for three-year service and mustered under the command of Colonel Nelson B. Bartram.

District of West Florida and Southern Alabama, Department of the Gulf, to February 1865.

District of La Fourche, Department of the Gulf, to October 1865.

Moved to Port Hudson, La., March 21 and to Pass Cavallo, Texas, April 21.