My great uncle was in WWI and I found this photo in his things. It feels like the group is shipping out and it is a pier, but it could be another area. Can anyone tell me the location based on the buildings in the background?
He was in the Army, Company C of the 362nd infantry, comprised mostly of troops from the western United States--he was from Utah. They had training camp in Tacoma Washington, US; departed from NYC in July of 1918 on the Empress of Russia ship; landed in Liverpool, England, and then on to Le Havre France. I have been searching for landmarks in the NYC, Liverpool, and Le Havre areas but haven't found anything. Sadly he did not return from the war, so this photo is on his way into service and not the return trip. Thank you very much!
- 2What at first appears to be a strange turret in the centre on top of the colonnaded building seems to be one of a line of ornate pillars. Another is on the far right, and there is a hint of another on the left just out of the shot.Weather Vane– Weather Vane2025-11-28 12:08:31 +00:00Commented18 hours ago
- 1The architecture and style reminds me a lot of Paris (like the area around Place de la Concorde), but then most of the world would have been inspired by Paris at the time. Liverpool does have some old buildings similar to these, but I found none matching.Lundin– Lundin2025-11-28 12:12:56 +00:00Commented18 hours ago
- 1The style of the buildings reminds more of Paris, London, Washington DC, or perhaps some state capital. Doesn't look like a pier, it looks more like a fountain on some kind of open space. Are there any inscriptions on the back of the photo?jcaron– jcaron2025-11-28 12:24:02 +00:00Commented18 hours ago
- ChatGPT suggests Place de la Concorde, Paris, but I can't confirm it. Although pictures show ornate lanterns, they don't seem to be on a square base as shown here.Weather Vane– Weather Vane2025-11-28 12:33:05 +00:00Commented18 hours ago
- 1@WeatherVane I ruled it out. Also it would be almost impossible to take a picture there andnot catch a major famous landmark like the obelisk, which was in place at the time.Lundin– Lundin2025-11-28 12:46:23 +00:00Commented18 hours ago
1 Answer1
So there's apparently a city they visited which isn't in your list: Washington, DC.
This is taken on the East side of theUnited States Capitol (the US Congress building), pointing roughly North-West (so you don't see the Capitol's dome, which would be to the left of the picture).
The view is close tothis:
(the soldiers on your picture would have been to the right of the "Google Maps" at the bottom).
This is taken from the other side of the fountain visible in the foreground of your picture (the fountain is visible if you turn around), where you can see the two pillars visible on your picture:
Trees have grown quite a bit since then!
This one shows both the fountain and pillars and background buildings:
- 2Wow! Thank you EVERYONE for your kind help and attention to my question. I stumbled across this site just a day ago, previously unaware that such a valuable resource exists. I have a little work to do uncovering notes from this stop in his journey. Thank you again to all of you!!! N. DeanN Dean– N Dean2025-11-28 19:35:19 +00:00Commented11 hours ago
- 1Thank you jcaron for the detailed info and photos in your answer. Much appreciation for your time and skills!N Dean– N Dean2025-11-28 19:36:11 +00:00Commented11 hours ago
- 7@NDean If you like the answer, don't forget to click the checkmark beside the answer to accept it!GentlePurpleRain– GentlePurpleRain2025-11-28 20:11:12 +00:00Commented10 hours ago
- Thank you PurpleRain, I'm new so this advice was helpful!N Dean– N Dean2025-11-28 21:38:48 +00:00Commented9 hours ago
- Good to see that the pillars are still there.Maarten Bodewes– Maarten Bodewes2025-11-29 01:46:25 +00:00Commented5 hours ago
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