1916 Bronx Soldiers Picnic: N.Y. National Guard Life

This historical photograph captures two soldiers of the New York National Guard enjoying a meal outside a tent at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, New York City, during the summer of 1916. As the U.S. government prepared to send troops to the Mexican border, these men were part of a larger mobilization effort due to rising tensions along the Mexico-U.S. border, particularly in response to cross-border raids by revolutionary forces. The National Guard’s active duty began in May 1916 and continued through November of that year.

Van Cortlandt Park served not only as a recreation area but also as a military encampment, where soldiers underwent training and preparation for the challenges ahead. The image reflects a moment of normalcy amid the ongoing mobilization, offering a glimpse into the daily life of soldiers during a significant period in U.S. military history. This snapshot of soldier life emphasizes the blend of routine and duty during a time of unrest, as these individuals prepared to deploy far from home.