Organized in 1861 as the Concord Volunteers—now its official nickname—the 197th Field Artillery Brigade in the New Hampshire Army National Guard has undergone a dozen redesignations, eight reorganizations, and three consolidations since that time. It has been mustered, drafted, called, or inducted into Federal service nine times, three of which are specified for “active service” in the Brigade’s lineage compiled by the U.S. Army Center of Military History. Its dedication to its motto, "Live Free or Die," is evidenced by its participation in more than two dozen campaigns dating back to the First Battle of Bull Run in the year it was established.
Its first designation as an Artillery unit came in 1922 when it was reorganized and Federally recognized as the 197th Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps). It was redesignated as a Fires Brigade in September 2008, then reverted back the 197th Field Artillery Brigade a few years later.
Related items197th Field Artillery Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)197th Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)