1899 – The Battles of San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill took place near Santiago on the island of Cuba on this date. The engagements, along with victories in the Philippines would become the decisive battles of the Spanish American War which would eventually cede Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam to the United States. Over 300,000 U.S. regular and volunteer forces were mustered into service during the short war, many of whom trained in or passed through Florida. As a result of this large mobilization, a large veterans group known as the United Spanish War Veterans (USWV) formed in the early 20th century. The group became a powerful lobbying force for American veterans. The Florida Historical Society Library of Florida History holds a large collection USWV minutes and encampment proceedings.