Organized at New Orleans, La., from October 8 to 16, 1863, as the 16th Infantry, Corps d'Afrique; designated this regiment, April 4, 1864; consolidated with the 95th Colored Infantry, November 26, 1864, to form the 81st Colored Infantry (new) ; designation changed to 87th Colored Infantry (new), December 19, 1864, and consolidated with the 84th Colored Infantry, August 14, 1865.