Spanish-American War Rough Riders, Training Camps, Naval Crews, and Veterans Photo Archive, circa 1898–1918

Spanish-American War Rough Riders

Photograph

Spanish-American war era photo archive documenting American military camp life together with naval personnel and later portraits of veterans. The 1898 conflict brought the United States control of Spain’s former possessions in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. These photographs record the encampments and everyday routines behind that military expansion, alongside the continued public identity of veterans two decades later.

Photo archive of 31 silver gelatin photographs, each approximately 3.25 × 5 inches, circa 1898–1918. Includes 15 photographs identified as Spanish-American War troops and Rough Riders at training camp in 1898, eight standing portraits identified as Spanish-American War veterans in approximately 1918, with one photo having "1918" printed on the lower right margin, and four photographs of naval sailors aboard ship. Camp views show extensive rows of canvas tents, horse lines, and soldiers gathered outside their quarters. Informal group portraits accompany scenes of men preparing food and assembling for drill. One photograph captioned “Cooking dinner in the Philippines” places part of the material within the American military presence in the islands. Naval photographs depict sailors gathered on deck in working clothes and white uniforms. The later veterans’ portraits show men wearing campaign hats and military decorations; one group poses beneath a United Spanish War Veterans pennant.

One verso bears the name-and-address stamp of Frithjoff Mattila, 221 West Muskegon Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan. Though we cannot verify the exact identity, online records state that Frithjoff Mattila was born in 1876 and served with Company H of the 34th Michigan Volunteers during the Spanish-American War. Scattered fading and toning with occasional corner creases and small marginal losses. Overall in very good condition. A multi decade perspective of soldiers in camp, overseas, and those who returned with honorary record.

Item #24044

Price: $1,850.00