The 8th U.S. Colored Infantry was organized at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning September 22, 1863 and mustered in December 4, 1863 under the command of Colonel Charles W. Fribley.The regiment was attached to Howell's Brigade, District of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Department of the South, to February 1864. Hawley's Brigade, Seymour's Division, District of Florida, Department of the South, to April 1864. District of Florida, Department of the South, to August 1864. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, X Corps, Army of the James, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to December 1864. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, XXV Corps, to April 1865. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, XXV Corps, and Department of Texas, to November 1865.The 8th U.S. Colored Infantry mustered out of service November 10, 1865 and was discharged December 12, 1865 at Philadelphia.