New York's History of Service to the Nation

A pass allowing Joshua Smith and John Anderson to cross at Kings Ferry was found on British Major John André at the time of his capture by the Americans, during the American Revolution.

Civil War muster roll abstract for William Kennedy

Civil War muster roll abstract with attachment of Native American volunteer William Kennedy. Kennedy, who enlisted in Buffalo, died while being held as a prisoner of war at the notorious prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia.

Edna Marsh

Edna Marsh took the "Oath of Allegiance" in 1917. You can view her nursing card and a picture of her at Camp Wadsworth in our Digital Collections.  

Dutchess County Militia

These documents record payments due to members of the Dutchess County Militia for services rendered during the years 1779 and 1780.

"Troy’s Part in the World War 1918"

Cover of "Troy’s Part in the World War 1918," a collection of photographs issued by the "New York American" chronicling Troy citizens' actions in and contributions to World War I.

Private William A. Higgs

Private Higgs of Sidney, New York. Higgs enlisted on April 14, 1917 and was demobilized on February 22, 1919.  You can view a copy of his service record and his letter describing the trenches in our Digital Collections.

Mail Delivery

The Peekskill Training Camp for Boys taught infantry skills to young men so that they were prepared when they reached enlistment age.

Setting Up Exercises

Large group of West Point cadets exercising in formation outside within a courtyard surrounded by military barracks.

Hugh Carey

Hugh L. Carey (seated, 3rd from right) with other members of the 415th Infantry regimental headquarters staff during World War II. Hugh Carey was the 51st Governor of New York, serving from 1975-1982.

Plattsburgh Barracks

A World War I army battalion drills on field at the Plattsburgh Army Barracks in the Adirondack Mountains. Since the time of the Revolutionary War, the site had served in some format as a military post.

Memorial Day

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

This image depicts Civil War and World War I veterans at a Memorial Day ceremony in Ripley, New York, June 1919.