Historic U.S. Army Artillery Hike at Fort Sam Houston

This historical photograph captures U.S. Army artillery during a hike at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, dating back to 1911-1912. Fort Sam Houston, established in 1845, played a critical role in military training and operations for over a century. The image portrays troops from various units, including the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps and the U.S. Army Artillery, reflecting an era of expanding military capability and modernization in the early 20th century.

The late 1910s were pivotal for the U.S. military, as preparations for global conflicts ramped up. This image documents the mobilization efforts and the nature of military life during a time when the Army was transitioning into a more structured and mechanized form of warfare. Fort Sam Houstons strategic location near San Antonio made it a key center for training and logistics, laying the groundwork for many soldiers who would serve in World War I and beyond.