Historic Soldiers Hiking Through San Antonio, 1910s

This photograph captures a moment in the early 20th century, showing soldiers on a hike in San Antonio, Texas. Taken by the Bain News Service between 1910 and 1915, it illustrates a typical military training exercise during this era when San Antonio was an essential hub for military operations. At the time, the city was home to numerous army facilities, including Fort Sam Houston, which played a vital role in preparing troops for service.

The image serves as a visual record of the rigorous physical training that soldiers underwent to maintain readiness. Hiking served not only as a means of physical conditioning but also helped build camaraderie among the troops. These practices reflect the militarys emphasis on discipline and endurance, crucial qualities for service members of that period. As grades of military readiness evolved, so did the methods of training, capturing a snapshot of military life during a transformative time in U.S. history.