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. The brigade was re-assigned to the Main Continental Army on 15 June 1777 and re-assigned back to the Highland's Department on 2 July 1777. One year later, 21 July 1778 the Brigade was re-assigned to the Main Continental Army. On 28 May 1779 the Brigade was re-assigned to the Highland's Department and 11 July 1779 the regiment was re-organized to nine companies. On 16 November 1780 the brigade was re-assigned to the Main Continental Army; but later that, 27 November 1780 it was re-assi