American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

5 medals, approx. 3 in. long or smaller, for various competitions held during the 7th New York Regiment and 13th New York State National Guard Athletic Games.

Medals include: 7th New York Regiment medal for participation in the "3 Legged Race," as inscribed on top bar, dated 1884. -- 7th New York Regiment medal for participation in the "1/4 Mile Run," as inscribed on top bar, dated 1884. -- 7th New York Regiment medal for participation in the "Hurdle Race," as inscribed on top bar. -- 13th New York State National Guard medal for participation in the "440 Yard Run," as inscribed on central shield, dated 22 January 1884(?). -- GAR Athletic Games, regiment unknown, medal rewarded for participation in the "400 Yard Dash," as inscribed near center of medal, dated 1883 (or 1885). Top bar includes initials, "B.R.A."

The 7th New York Regiment (also known as the National Guard's Seventh Regiment) held annual athletic games, often referred to as the Seventh Regiment Games, at their armory in New York City for many years, beginning as early as the 1880s and continuing into the 20th century. These events featured competitive athletic events like races and shot put, as well as less formal, more playful competitions such as sack and potato races. The games were a significant social and athletic event, attracting large crowds of active and veteran members, friends, and the broader athletic community.