U.S. Army Transport Kilpatrick: Troops Depart NYC

The photograph captures the U.S. Army transport ship Kilpatrick as it departs from the bustling docks of New York City, carrying troops en route to Boston. This image, a product of the Bain News Service, provides a snapshot of military logistics in the early 20th century when troop movements were crucial to national security. The Kilpatrick is significant not just as a transport vessel but as part of a broader effort in which ships were the primary means of moving military personnel during peacetime and wartime alike.

Set against the backdrop of the New York waterfront, the image reflects the busy maritime activity of the era—where ships, both military and commercial, frequently lined the docks. The date of this photo captures a specific period in American history when the nation was building its military capabilities. Transport ships like the Kilpatrick played a vital role in facilitating the rapid deployment of troops, making this image a key reminder of the logistical systems that underpinned military operations. Through this photograph, we can appreciate the essential role that maritime transport played in shaping Americas military readiness during the early 20th century.