San Juan Hill

San Juan Hill , Oriente prov., E Cuba, near the city of Santiago de Cuba. It was the scene (July, 1898) of a battle in the Spanish-American War, in which Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders took part.

San Juan Hill, Battle of the best-known U.S. battle in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, because of the media coverage of Theodore Roosevelt. (Also known as the Battle of San Juan Heights) On July 1, 1898, the U.S. Expeditionary Forces under Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter assaulted the Spanish defenses of Santiago, where the Spanish squadron lay protected in the harbor. The U.S. attacking forces sustained 205 killed and 1,180 wounded, the Spanish defenders 215 killed and 376 wounded. Because of the casualties Shafter did not assault the next and primary Spanish defensive line, but the Spanish governor general ordered the squadron out of the harbor, where it was destroyed on July 3, 1898 by waiting U.S. naval forces. Santiago surrendered on July 17, 1898.

Kettle Hill, Battle of the actual site of the charge by Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898). U.S. army regulars and dismounted cavalry advanced against heavy fire to dislodge Spanish soldiers entrenched at the top of Kettle Hill in Santiago, Cuba. Although only a small part of the advance, the press and public focused on the Rough Riders.