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 Baltimore, Maryland, beginning September 26, 1863, and mustered in November 12, 1863.
1st Brigade, 3rd Division, X Corps, Army of the James, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to December 1864.
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, XXV Corps, to January 1866.
Colored Infantry mustered out of service October 13, 1866, and was discharged November 15, 1866, at Baltimore.
Expedition to North Edisto River and Johns and James Islands July 2–10.
Expedition to Florida & Gulf Railroad July 22 – August 5.
Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond August 1864 to April 1865.
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, September 28–30.
Duty on the Rio Grande River and at various points in the Department of Texas, until October 1866.