Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Rough Riders Procure a Coal Train
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, July 10, 2023
1. The Rough Riders Marker
Inscription.
The Rough Riders Procure a Coal Train. . On the evening of June 9, 1898, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, "The Rough Riders," were ordered to leave their encampment (approximately one mile northwest of here) and proceed to Port Tampa (on the eastern shore of Old Tampa Bay) as part of the U.S. invasion force embarking for Cuba during the Spanish American War. Approximately 600 Rough Riders, led by Colonel Leonard P. Wood and Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt arrived in the early evening at a spur line in this vicinity with orders to await a train around midnight. When the train did not arrive, the Rough Riders found what suitable ground there was and slept. On June 8, 1898, at approximately 6:00 A.M. an empty coal train returning from Port Tampa was stopped by the Regiment. After some discussion, Colonels Wood and Roosevelt convinced the engineer to reverse course and transport the Rough Riders to the port. After the men and equipment were loaded into empty coal cars, the train traveled in reverse approximately seven miles, delivering the Regiment to Port Tampa.
On the evening of June 9, 1898, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, "The Rough Riders," were ordered to leave their encampment (approximately one mile northwest of here) and proceed to Port Tampa
(on the eastern shore of Old Tampa Bay) as part of the U.S. invasion force embarking for Cuba during the Spanish American War. Approximately 600 Rough Riders, led by Colonel Leonard P. Wood and Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt arrived in the early evening at a spur line in this vicinity with orders to await a train around midnight. When the train did not arrive, the Rough Riders found what suitable ground there was and slept. On June 8, 1898, at approximately 6:00 A.M. an empty coal train returning from Port Tampa was stopped by the Regiment. After some discussion, Colonels Wood and Roosevelt convinced the engineer to reverse course and transport the Rough Riders to the port. After the men and equipment were loaded into empty coal cars, the train traveled in reverse approximately seven miles, delivering the Regiment to Port Tampa.
Erected 2023 by Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council, The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Rough Riders) Inc. of Tampa.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, Spanish-American. A significant historical date for this entry is June 9, 1898.
Location.
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27° 56.67′ N, 82° 28.299′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is at the intersection of South Newport Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard (Florida Route 60), on the right when traveling south on South Newport Avenue. Marker is on the grounds of Tampa Fire Station #3. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 South Newport Avenue, Tampa FL 33606, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
