Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba facts for kids

Medal of the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba.

The Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba was a special group created to remember an important time in history. Its main goal was to keep alive the story of the Spanish–American War campaign that ended on July 17, 1898. On that day, the Spanish army and the city of Santiago de Cuba surrendered.

What Was the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba?

This organization was formed by soldiers who fought in the Santiago de Cuba campaign. They wanted to make sure that the events and the bravery of the soldiers were never forgotten. It was like a historical club for veterans of that specific battle.

When and Where Was It Started?

The Society was first organized in Santiago de Cuba on July 31, 1898. This happened right after the big surrender. Later, on September 15, 1898, the group officially adopted its rules. This meeting took place at Camp Wykoff in Long Island, New York.

Who Could Join the Society?

To become a member, you had to be an officer or soldier from the United States Army. This included doctors and volunteer helpers. You also had to have been part of the special force that went to Santiago de Cuba. The campaign took place between June 14 and July 17, 1898, during the Siege of Santiago. If you fought bravely and wanted to join, you could apply and pay a small fee.

Different Types of Members

There were a few ways to be part of the Society:

• Original Members: These were the soldiers who fought in the campaign.
• Members by Inheritance: These were the male children or grandchildren of the original members.
• Members by Succession: If an original member didn't have direct male descendants, they could pass their membership to another male blood relative.

Also, if a soldier died during the campaign, their male descendants could still become members. This was a way to honor those who gave their lives.

Honorary Members

Some special people could become honorary members. These were military and naval officers from other countries who were with the Fifth Army Corps in Cuba during the Santiago campaign. They didn't have to pay dues and couldn't vote, but they were recognized for their presence.

Who Were the Leaders?

The Society had many important leaders, often high-ranking officers from the campaign.

Key Officers of the Society

• President: Major-General William Rufus Shafter, who was a very important leader in the campaign.
• First Vice-President: Major-General Joseph Wheeler.
• Second Vice-President: Major-General Jacob Ford Kent.
• Third Vice-President: Major-General Henry Ware Lawton. Sadly, he was killed in action later in 1899.
• Fourth Vice-President: Major-General John C. Bates.
• Secretary and Treasurer: Major ALFRED C. SHARPE.
• Historian: Major G. CREIGHTON WEBB, who helped record the history.
• Registrar General: Major PHILIP READE.

There were also registrars for different divisions, like Capt. L. W. V. KENNON and Capt. JAMES T. KERR.

Important Council Members

The Society also had a council with many well-known generals:

• Major-General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young
• Major-General Hamilton S. Hawkins
• Major-General Adna Chaffee
• Major-General William Ludlow
• Major-General Samuel S. Sumner
• Brigadier-General Adelbert Ames
• Brigadier-General Wallace F. Randolph
• Brigadier-General CHAMBERS McKIBBIN
• Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, famous for leading the Rough Riders.
• Lieutenant-Colonel JOHN DAVID MILEY, who sadly died in 1899.