1917 Troops Departing Fort Slocum, New York

This 1917 glass negative captures troops being transported at Fort Slocum, a military installation on Davidsons Island located in New York. Fort Slocum served as a key mobilization site during World War I, where soldiers were trained and organized before being dispatched overseas. The image speaks to a critical period in American history, reflecting the urgency and scale of military preparations as the nation entered the global conflict.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this photograph is part of an era when glass negatives were a primary method for documenting newsworthy events. The meticulous details in such images not only provide a visual record of military life but also offer insight into the early techniques of photojournalism. This snapshot of troops in transit highlights the logistical challenges faced by the military during one of the most significant periods of the 20th century.