Leadership of U.S. Military: Generals & Staff, 1910s

This historical photograph captures General J.F. ORyan alongside his staff and General C.H. Hitchcock, dated roughly between 1910 and 1915. During this era, the United States was undergoing significant military reform and modernization, responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. ORyan was a prominent figure in the National Guard and later served in World War I, which marked a pivotal moment in military strategy and organization.

The photograph, taken by the Bain News Service, highlights not just the individuals present but also reflects the military culture of the time. The use of glass negatives was common, allowing for detailed imagery that would be reproduced in newspapers and other media. This period was marked by the development of new military technologies and tactics, laying the groundwork for future conflicts. The image serves as a snapshot of early 20th-century military leadership, encapsulating a moment when the U.S. was beginning to assert itself on the global stage.