There have been episodes of our history that have never failed to excite our most adventurous passions. Some events in America’s long drama never fail to make us want to stand up and cheer. While it is not always the case, some historical events make us proud to Americans. One such “like-a-boss” moments in American history was the Battle of San Juan Hill (also called Kettle Hill) during the Spanish-American War. Incidentally, pretty much the entire Spanish-American War was a “like-a-boss” moment. Theodore Roosevelt described it as a “splendid little war”.
The stage had been set with the American invasion of Cuba in the early months of the Spanish-American War. The Americans had been plagued with tropical diseases but had celebrated much military success in battle with the Spanish. The Spaniards had gathered their forces at Santiago. The Americans began an offensive to take the city and force the fall of all of Cuba. It was during this offensive that the Spanish and American armies fought at San Juan Heights, on the road to Santiago. The battle would become famous and notable mainly because of certain American units that fought at San Juan, including Theodore Roosevelt and the “Rough Riders” as well as two units of “Buffalo soldiers” (a name for African-American soldiers in the US army).
The Americans marched upon San Juan Heights but they were held down at “Hell’s Pocket”, where multiple American officers were killed and wounded amidst the Spanish fire. Then the attack up San Juan Hill began. This charge included the 10th and 24th Infantry Regiments which were African-American regiments. The Americans drove up the hill amidst furious fire but finally reached the top of the heights and scattered the Spanish defenders, capturing the Spanish defensive blockhouse.
Perhaps the most iconic and famous charge in the Spanish-American War (if not all of American history) followed at nearby Kettle Hill. It was at Kettle Hill that the famous charge of the Rough Riders, lead by Theodore Roosevelt, occurred. The Rough Riders were decisively supported by Gatling gun fire from John Parker’s American troops at the base of the hill. (Gatling guns were early machine guns.) Parker’s Gatlings proved to be an important weapon by providing support to the charging American troops and simultaneously creating a surge of morale and passion in the Rough Riders when they heard their guns pounding the Spanish lines.
The Spanish attempted to retake the Heights but their counter-attack was driven back. The victory at San Juan Heights had been complete and decisive. Within a matter of three weeks, Santiago fell and the American conquest of Cuba was practically accomplished.
Some military victories, however, are remembered not because they were decisive or militarily strategic but because they are great, epic, dramatic stories. The battle at San Juan Heights is one such battle. Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders achieved almost legendary fame as a result of the battle. But we must not forget the sacrifices and courageous deeds of other influential characters like the 10th and 24th Infantry Regiments and John Parker. The victory at San Juan Heights was a “team effort” and yet we only bestow glory on T.R. and his men today. The story is indeed legendary but we must remember all those who made the victory possible.