The Fourteenth Brooklyn was officially formed on July 5, 1847 in Brooklyn when the New York State Legislature consolidated the individual militia companies into regiments. It was at this time the unit received its designation: Fourteenth Regiment, N.Y.S.M. (New York State Militia). Officially, the regiment was mustered into service by General Irvin McDowell on May 23, 1861.
The " Brooklyn Chasseurs" or the "Red Legged Devils" (as they were also known) had a fine and courageous fighting record. They served in most of the major campaigns in the eastern theater. These include First Bull Run, Second Bull Run, Antietam Creek, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. The unit then mustered out, arriving in Brooklyn, NY on May 25, 1864. |
