Historic Troops Departing for Texas, 1916

This historical photograph captures the 71st Regiment of the New York National Guard as they prepare to depart for Texas in June 1916. The image shows the troops lined up in formation beside a train, reflecting the military organization and readiness during a pivotal time in American history. The deployment was part of a larger response to the current tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border, largely fueled by conflicts involving revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, who had conducted raids into American territory.

The 71st Regiment was one of the many National Guard units mobilized during this period, highlighting the growing role of state militias in U.S. military affairs. The year prior, President Woodrow Wilson had called for increased military preparedness, which led to the mobilization of various National Guard units. This photograph serves as a documentation of that mobilization, illustrating the logistical and organizational efforts taken by the National Guard as they prepared for service in Texas.

Produced by Bain News Service in New York City, this image not only serves as a snapshot of the 71st Regiment but also emphasizes the transition of the National Guard from a reserve force to an active component of the U.S. military during times of crisis. The photograph stands as a testament to the historical significance of the National Guard in the early 20th century and offers insight into the military strategies and mobilizations of that era.