The 3rd Connecticut Regiment was authorized on 16 September 1776 and was organized between 1 January - April 1777 of eight companies of volunteers from the counties of Windham and Hartford in the state of Connecticut.

On 3 April 1777 it was assigned to the 1st Connecticut Brigade in the Highland's Department.

One year later, 21 July 1778 the Brigade was reassigned to the Main Continental Army.

On 28 May 1779 the Brigade was reassigned to the Highland's Department and 11 July 1779 the regiment was re-organized to nine companies.

On 16 November 1780 the brigade was reassigned to the Main Continental Army; but later that, 27 November 1780 it was reassigned back to the Highland's Department.