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 Camp Delaware in Delaware, Ohio beginning January 16, 1864 for three-year service under the command of Colonel Albert M. Blackman.
The regiment was attached to 1st Brigade, 4th Division, IX Corps, Army of the Potomac, to September 1864.
3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, X Corps, Department of North Carolina, to July 1865.
Colored Infantry mustered out of service September 21, 1865.
Guarded supply trains of the Army of the Potomac through the Wilderness.
Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, October 27–28.
Duty in the Department of North Carolina until September.