Spanish-American War

Spanish-American War. April 21, 1898 - February 10, 1899. , Marker 1 , On April 20th 1898, congress adopted the following resolution "first, that the people of the Island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent "second, that it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the Island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuba waters "third, that the President of the United States be and he hereby is, directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States, and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several states, to such extent as may be necessary to carry these resolutions into effect, "fourth, that the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said Island, except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the Island to its people (Congressional record April 18 1898 pp 4421-22 and 4461-62)

on april 10, 1898, the seventeen articles of the "Treaty of Peace” was signed whereas Spain relinquished all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba, ceded to the United States the Island of Puerto Rico and other islands then under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and the Island of Guam in the Marianas or Ladrones, along with the archipelago known as the Philippine Islands, whereas the United States would pay to Spain the sum of twenty million dollars, along with other details of peace such as giving the people of these lands the free exercise of their religion on February 6th, 1899, this treaty was ratified by congress and signed by President McKinley on February 10th, 1899, and by the Queen of Spain on March 17th, 1899.

, Marker 2 , Between May 1, 1898 and June 30, 1899, the United States had a total of 5,135 casualties in action in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. The maxium force at any one time during the war was 274,717 officers and enlisted whereas a total of 483 were killed in action, 2,922 were wounded, 174 died of wounds and 1,557 more died of diseases, whereas 221 lives were lost at sea. (Note that the 1890 census showed a total population in the United States of approx. 63,069,756, while Texas showed a population of approx. 2.235,523.)

Soldiers of the American Armed Forces, we would not be fulfilling or duty as well. Born men in whose breasts their lives gratitude and courtesy, should we embark on our eternal journey without honoring those men who fought so nobly and valiantly during the Spanish-American War. You fought face to face, and with all of the courage while you complied with all of the laws as recognized by all the armies of the most civilized nations of the world with the highest sentiment of appreciation. We honor all veterans of the Spanish-American War and those listed below who are known to have lived in our "Golden Triangle" area. , Sam H. Ballard------ 1st Sgt----- USA , Jack Noguess----- Pvt----- USA , Harry W. Denbo----- Corporal----- USA , Edgar B. Sutherlin----- SN-------- USA , Earnest E. Kelter----- Pvt----- USA , Adams D. Winters Sr----- Pvt----- USA

Dedicated November 11, 1996