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What happened at the Battles of El Caney and San Juan Hill?

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Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders — Spanish-American War Theodore Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, 1898; print created by Kurz & Allison.

On July 1, 1898, U.S. forces launched coordinated assaults against Spanish-held hilltop defenses outside Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Major General William Shafter intended for the 2d Division to capture the village of El Caney before joining the 1st Division and the dismounted Cavalry Division in an attack on the San Juan ridgeline, which included San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill.12

At El Caney, approximately 500 Spanish defenders resisted a significantly larger American force for most of the day. Meanwhile, at the San Juan ridgeline, American troops faced entrenched Spanish positions protected by barbed wire and cannon. The Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, and the all-black Buffalo Soldiers played pivotal roles in the fighting. After Gatling guns provided critical fire support, U.S. troops broke through the Spanish lines. By 2:00 PM, the outer defenses were secured, marking a decisive victory that led to the formal surrender of Santiago two weeks later.12