Image Credit: David Seibert
This week’s #MarkerMonday commemorates the beginning of the Spanish-American War on April 25, 1898. The conflict found its roots in American support for Cuba’s rebellion against Spain. After the American battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, “Remember the Maine” became a rallying cry for Americans. Georgia had over 25 training camps during the war, including Camp Conrad in Columbus, Georgia. Although the conflict was relatively brief, lasting less than one year, Georgia played a key role in the training of troops and the port of Savannah became a major point of embarkation for troops. The federal government requested that Georgia supply 3,000 men to comprise infantry regiments and artillery batteries. In some cases, men were rushed through their inductions and arrived for basic training without uniforms or equipment. The war ended in August 1898. The First Georgia Infantry were loading a troopship in the port of Savannah when they received news that the war was over. Savannah also welcomed soldiers returning home from the war in the months following the war. Some troops remained in Savannah until the spring of 1898. Georgians’ experiences from the Spanish-American War served them well in the outbreak of the First World War. Explore the links below to learn more about the Spanish-American War in Georgia.
Explore the links below to learn more about Camp Conrad and Georgia's role in Spanish-American War.
GHS is proud to house items related to the Spanish-American War and Georgia’s involvement in the conflict, including medals and insignia belonging to soldiers.