The Great War & Southampton

Southampton World War Memorial, ca. 1920s, printed postcard (Southampton History Museum Collection)

On August 19, 1923, Southampton dedicated a monument in Agawam Park to honor the service and sacrifice of its citizens during the Great War, or World War I, known at the time as the "War to End All Wars."

Dedication of the Southampton World War Memorial in Agawam Park, August 19, 1923, photograph (Southampton History Museum Collection)

During the summer of 1914, a war unlike any other broke out in Europe. Although President Woodrow Wilson first pursued a policy of non-intervention, the United States eventually joined the conflict in 1917. From the beginning of the war, before America entered the conflict, until after the fighting had ended in 1918, Southampton’s citizens were involved. Of the more than 4.8 million Americans mobilized for the war, over 900 men and women from Southampton served and 30 of them lost their lives.

French tanks and soldiers among the trenches (Coulter Family Collection, Southampton History Museum)

Those who served represented all aspects of Southampton’s society, from wealthy summer residents, to those who maintained the fabric of the community year-round, including members of the Shinnecock Nation. The names of many who served from Southampton during the Great War are recorded on the World War Memorial, however, some are not.

Captain Charles James Coulter and the 110th Infantry of the U.S. Army arrives in France, photograph (Coulter Family Collection, Southampton History Museum)

Today, a century after its dedication, the memorial needs repair. To support the Village’s restoration efforts, the Southampton History Museum is presenting a special exhibit dedicated to telling the personal stories of several of those who experienced the Great War from our own community. 

U.S. Army Combat Uniform worn by Wesley Prior Merrill who served in France with the 147th Aero Squadron American (on loan from the Schulte-McMaster family); Flag from the Daraga, a private boat acquired by the U.S. Navy from Edmund Stewart Davis, of Southampton, and placed in commission as the USS Daraga (SP-43) during WWI (Southampton History Museum Collection)

The exhibit brings together artifacts, photographs, and personal memorabilia, each telling a unique tale that reflects the diverse contributions made by the citizens of Southampton. 

The Great War & Southampton will be open at Rogers Mansion through early November during the museum’s regular hours.