The Signal Corps owes its origins to Albert James Myer. This Army doctor invented a unique visual communication system, known as the "wigwag" when he was serving in Texas during 1856. This system of flags and torch lights would be put to use during the Civil War when it was used to direct the bombing of Confederate positions at Fort Calhoun. In 1863, Congress finally authorized the Signal Corps as an active unit until the end of the war.

In 1870, the Signal Corps took on another role as a national weather service. By 1880, this weather service would garner international acclaim. The weather service would remain under the command of the Signal Corps until 1891, when the Department of Agriculture took it over. The Signal Corps would still be in charge of military meteorology.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 would see the Signal Corps used much more than it was during the Civil War. However, the Signal Corps did much more than just use flags and torches to convey messages. In addition to those visual signals, they were tasked with supplying telegraph and telephone lines, integrating the use of telephones in combat situations, and used photography for combat purposes. After the war ended, the Signal Corps were responsible for bringing the first wireless telegraph system into the Western Hemisphere.

In 1907, the Chief Signal Officer was put in charge of an Aeronautical Division. The Wright brothers conducted several test flights of the first airplane the Army used and it was built to the specifications lined out by the Signal Corps. In 1918, the Army turned over this Aeronautical Division to the Army Air Service.

By World War 1, the Signal Corps were developing radiotelephones. These were infinitely superior to the radiotelegraphs, the telegraph and telephone were the main means of communications during World War 1. In 1937, the then-director of the Signal Corps patented the first radar used by the Army. Before World War II, there were already two sets of radar units in mass production. By the Vietnam War, the Signal Corps provided radio links that could communicate more than 200 miles apart.
Today, the motto for the Signal Corps remains the same as it was over a hundred years ago: "Watchful for the Country." New developments in technology and innovation continue every year. The Signal Corps fulfill the need for effective, reliable communication in all areas of the military. They have come a very long way since using flags during the daylight hours and torches at night. The Signal Corps laboratory is one of the most advanced for the development of communications, radar, mapping, and photography technology.

For those that are assigned to the Signal Corps, the assignment comes with pride and honor, as well as responsibility. A fantastic way to recognize this service and dedication is with one of the beautiful Signal Corps rings that are available. A Signal Corps ring will become a treasured heirloom that is sure to be passed on to children and grandchildren.