This Regiment was organized in June 1861, with a numerical strength of 1,057. It was mustered into US service 13 July and left the state on the 24th, being assigned to General King's brigade.

In September it was made a part of Hancock's brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps, with which it took a conspicuous part in the battle of Williamsburg and the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. It was in reserve at Crampton's Gap, but fought at Antietam, Maryland where Colonel Cobb commanded the Brigade. At Fredericksburg, Virginia it was in Pratt's Brigade, Howe's Division, 6th Corps.

It was on duty in New York City in October 1863, during the enforcement of the draft, and then was one of the two Regiments to carry the main fort and redoubts at Rappahannock Station, Virginia. It participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, and was engaged in campaigns at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, Virginia.

It was then sent to assist in the defense of Washington, DC and was mustered out 3 August 1864.

However, prior to being mustered out, reenlisted veterans and recruits had been formed into an independent Battalion consisting of three Companies on 13 July 1864. The Battalion accompanied the 6th Corps to the Shenandoah Valley and was in battles at Snicker's Gap, Charles Town and Cedar Creek.

The reorganized Regiment joined the three veteran companies at Winchester, Virginia on the 26th. It participated in the three days' engagement at Hatcher's Run, Virginia in the relief of Fort Stedman and in the final assault on Petersburg. As a result it won rave reviews for its work at Sailor's Creek, where it advanced through a swamp, waist deep, in the face of a galling fire and compelled the enemy to surrender.

The Regiment was with the 6th Corps in the pursuit of General Lee, which resulted in his surrender at Appomattox. It was mustered out at Madison, Wisconsin 11 July 1865.

The total enrollment during service was 2,256. Losses by death 285, missing 4, desertion. 105, transfer 33, discharged 405; mustered out 1,424.