Since the time of the American Revolution, the people of Brooklyn have answered the call to defend their country. By the 1840's Brooklyn had many independent militia companies. Most were ethnic social clubs based on a military theme. One regiment, the 265th Infantry, had veterans from as far as far back as the War of 1812.

On July 5th, 1847 with the consolidation of the small militia companies, the 265th became the 14th Brooklyn. To bring it up to regulation strength, other small companies were included in the newly formed 14th. This resulted in a very broad ethnic diversity. Most of the men and officers of the 14th were from "well to do" families. Throughout the 1850's the 14th was called on to put down riots in Brooklyn.

In 1860 the first of the distinctive uniform's was issued. It was described as "a dark blue frock coat with three rows of buttons, gold lace trimmings, dark blue trousers, buff stripe and shako hat.

In 1861, with the secession of the southern states, the Brooklyn Navy yard was attacked and was being burned by rebel sympathizers. The 14th was called out to defend the navy yard. The 14th being the nearest militia ran to the "Yard" and being unarmed beat some 300 or more attackers into submission.

In April, 1861, the 14th was issued their new Chasseur uniforms. The uniform consisted of a short dark blue jacket with a red false vest, Russian knots on the shoulders, three rows of 14 buttons on the front, bright red baggy pants, white leggings (gaiters), red & blue French style kepi. The uniform's history comes from the French army. Dating as far back as the 1700's, the Chasseur was an elite soldier. The uniform adopted by the 14th was from the Crimean war in Europe during the late 1850's. The Chasseurs distinguished themselves so greatly that the 14th Brooklyn with veterans of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, and being very well drilled, and having engaged in many military actions in their own city, decided to become a traditional Chasseur regiment. The uniforms were supplied by the City of Brooklyn, not the Federal Government. At one point during the war when the uniforms became worn, the Army tried to issue the 14th standard blue uniforms. The entire regiment including officers refused the uniforms. They were promptly resupplied their "Reds" by the City of Brooklyn.

On May 18, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln personally accepted the 14th into Federal service. The official US Army designation for the 14th was the 84th New York. The regiment protested and was backed by General McDowell who mustered the 14th into service personally. For the rest of their service in the Civil War and for many years after they would only be called the 14th Brooklyn.

During the Civil War, many General both north and south praised the 14th for their bravery in battle. General Abner Doubleday said, "On many a weary march and many a hard fought field, I have seen their courage and devotion. Their name was a household word in the Army - they were the elite of our division." The 14th prior to Bull Run (Manassas) were stationed as President Lincoln's personal guard. When Colonel Elmer Ellsworth crossed into Virginia and was killed trying to remove a rebel flag, a small contingent of the 14th was there. From Bull Run in July '61 to Spottsylvania Courthouse in '64 the 14th fought in 21 engagements. They distinguished themselves at Antietem, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. In the winter of '63-'64 the 14th occupied Culpeper, Virginia as the provost guard. During that time the regiment entertained thousands of troops on the local "opera house" by presenting a variety stage show featuring songs, skits, and magic. The 14th is the only regiment to have three monuments at Gettysburg. The 14th's nickname, "The Red Legged Devils," came from the Rebs under Colonel Jackson that faced them at Bull Run.

After the Civil War the 14th became part of the New York National Guard. They were called up again for the Spanish American War, Pershing's Ponch Villa Campaign in Mexico, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The number designation changed throughout the years and they became artillery then tank killers then artillery again then finally they are now a signal company. The armory built for them after the Civil War still stands and today's version of the 14th is still there.