The Spanish-American War was begun over some key elements. The United States did not like the way Spain was treating the people of Cuba. The U.S. Government sent the Battleship Maine to Havana Harbor in December 1897 to protect U.S. citizens and interests in the city. On the night of February 15, 1898 the battleship was destroyed by a large explosion and 266 lost their lives. On April 21, 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain. Troops were sent to fight in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands. The Spanish fleets would be destroyed in Manila and Santiago de Cuba. Teddy Roosevelt
Took the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill. Spain signed a treaty with the U.S. on December 10, 1898 to end the war. Thus, we acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The U.S. would send troops to garrison these areas and some resistance would evolve especially in the Philippines. Henry County sent men to this war. Merritt Weems
Co B 3rd Ga Regt was in Cuba with the third Georgia . Lt. Jack Speer Toss was in the Philippines with the U.S. Volunteers. The Flippen Sabbath School learned of the death of Mr. Henry G. Patterson through a government report of the death of their former friend. He was killed while at his post in the US Army stationed in the Philippines.
Henry Countians were of viable interest in this war.
