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 in Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee beginning April 20, 1864 for three-year service under the command of Colonel Joseph R. Putnam.
The regiment was attached to District of Chattanooga, Department of the Cumberland, to November 1864.
Unattached, District of the Etowah, Department of the Cumberland, to December 1864.
The regiment served guard and garrison duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee during its entire term of service.