Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War (April 25th - August 12th, 1898) was fought between Spain and the United States. The conflict resulted in the rise of the United States as an international power. The war is most often remembered for the explosion of the USS Maine and Theodore Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders.” Despite the heroic legacy of the war, the experience of many American soldiers, including Elmira’s 30th Separate National Guard Company, reflected a different reality.

The Gilded Ideal

In the early days of the conflict, many Elmirans expressed their excitement for this “splendid little war.” People made political cartoons, passionate sermons, and patriotic displays to express their support. Elmirans also raised money and sent care packages to the troops. Members of Elmira’s 30th Separate Company participated in military parades before departing for the war; many soldiers voiced their eagerness to “get in the fight.”

The Tarnished Reality

Like many volunteer groups, the 30th Separate never went to war. When the conflict ended, they still found themselves waiting to be deployed from Camp Meade in Pennsylvania. Although not a single member died during wartime, three died from typhoid fever and one committed suicide before they returned home.

Soldier on a march, 1898 Soldiers at Camp Alger underwent daily drills and routines in order to keep them in "fighting shape."
Soldiers at firing range, 1898 Practicing at a firing range like this was one of the ways that soldiers continually honed their skills while at camp.
Women visiting camp, 1898 Friends and family of soldiers were able to travel, often by train, to visit their loved ones at camp. Sometimes these visitors brought gifts or picnics along with them.
Officers posing in camp, 1898 (From Left to Right) Cpt John T. Sadler, 1st Lt Frank Eugene Smith, 1st Lt Thurber Brown, Cpt Reeve B. Howland, 1st Sergeant James D. Reid. Summer, 1898. Camp Alger, VA. Maintaining proper uniform and poise was important for officers of volunteer units, as photographers and reporters were able to visit just as easily as the relatives of soldiers.
Officer napping in camp, 1898 1st Lt Thurber Brown. Summer, 1898. Camp Alger, VA Camp life, although filled with daily routines and drills, still allowed many soldiers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the summer heat.
Camp mailbox, 1898 Through mailboxes like this, soldiers in camp could easily send and receive mail. Some soldiers submitted opinion columns for local newspapers, while others wrote to friends and family back home.
Dishwashing station, 1898 At washing stations like this, soldiers cleaned their dishes after meals. Routines were implemented to help maintain the hygiene soldiers and to fight disease.
Soldiers in flood water, 1898 Rainstorms occasionally flooded out soldier's encampments. Puddles gave disease spreading pests like mosquitoes a place to reproduce.

The Spanish-American War

Soldier on a march, 1898

Soldiers at Camp Alger underwent daily drills and routines in order to keep them in "fighting shape."

Soldiers at firing range, 1898

Practicing at a firing range like this was one of the ways that soldiers continually honed their skills while at camp.

Women visiting camp, 1898

Friends and family of soldiers were able to travel, often by train, to visit their loved ones at camp. Sometimes these visitors brought gifts or picnics along with them.

Officers posing in camp, 1898

Officer napping in camp, 1898

1st Lt Thurber Brown. Summer, 1898. Camp Alger, VA Camp life, although filled with daily routines and drills, still allowed many soldiers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the summer heat.

Camp mailbox, 1898

Through mailboxes like this, soldiers in camp could easily send and receive mail. Some soldiers submitted opinion columns for local newspapers, while others wrote to friends and family back home.

Dishwashing station, 1898

At washing stations like this, soldiers cleaned their dishes after meals. Routines were implemented to help maintain the hygiene soldiers and to fight disease.

Soldiers in flood water, 1898

Rainstorms occasionally flooded out soldier's encampments. Puddles gave disease spreading pests like mosquitoes a place to reproduce.