The regiment was formed in September 1862 at Camp Briggs under Major Oliver Edwards and served until the end of the war in April 1865.

Their uniforms consisted of a dark blue jacket with red trim, a long red wool sash, chasseur trousers of dark blue wool, a red stocking fez cap, and white canvas leggings.

They participated in the Siege of Petersburg and the final pursuit and destruction of Robert E. Lee's army.

The 37th was one of the first regiments to be issued the new Spencer repeating rifle, on July 15, 1864, increasing their firepower.

[1][2] During the Battle of Sailor's Creek Virginia, April 6, 1865, Private David Dunnels White of the 37th Massachusetts Regiment, was credited with capturing Confederate Major General George Washington Custis Lee, eldest son of the famed General Robert E. Lee.