The battery was organized Boston, Massachusetts and mustered in September 5, 1861[1] for a three-year enlistment[2] under the command of Captain Augustus Pearl Martin.

The battery was attached to Porter's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March 1862.

Artillery, 1st Division, III Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May 1862.

[3] Artillery, 1st Division, V Corps, Army of the Potomac, to June 1863.

The 3rd Massachusetts Battery mustered out of service September 16, 1864.

At Hall's Hill, Va., defenses of Washington, until March 1862.

Battle of White Oak Swamp and Turkey Bridge June 30.

Moved to Fort Monroe, then to Manassas, Va., August 15–28.

Pope's campaign in northern Virginia August 28-September 2.

Battle of Fredericksburg December 11–15, "Mud March" January 20–24, 1863.

Six Mile House, Weldon Railroad, August 18–21.

Veterans and recruits transferred to the 5th Massachusetts Battery August 30.