112th Anniversary Thursday of End of Florida's 'Splendid Little War'

Thursday marks the 112th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Spanish-American War in 1898.While the conflict had its dramatic moments (Admiral Dewey sailing into Manila Bay and Theodore Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill), for the most part America has forgotten what Secretary of State John Hay labeled a splendid little war that lasted four months and cost the lives of less than 400 soldiers and sailors in battle -- though more than 2,500 soldiers and sailors died of disease.

The war should not be forgotten, certainly not in Florida. The Sunshine State was the jumping-off point for American forces bound for Cuba and Puerto Rico. More than 30,000 troops were stationed in Tampa, including Roosevelt and his colorful regiment. Bases and camps were set up around the state: Camp Amelia and Camp Fernandina in Fernandina Beach; Camp Panama Park, Camp Reynolds, Camp Springfield, Camp Cuba Libre and Camp Jackson in Jacksonville; Camp Rogers, Camp DeSoto and Camp Florida in Tampa; Camp Massachusetts and Camp Morton in Lakeland, and Camp Sampson in Key West. Troops were mustered in, trained and stationed in Palmetto Beach, Miami and Coconut Grove. Old forts that guarded Floridas coast were once again used -- including Fort Marion, first constructed by the Spanish in 1672, in St. Augustine where the American army held deserters.

While railroad magnates Henry Flagler and Henry Plant are given a good deal of credit for the growth of Florida after Reconstruction and for helping create the tourist economy, the effects of the Spanish-American War on the Sunshine State should not be underestimated. Tens of thousands of Americans came to Florida -- which proved to be an excellent place for military bases, one of the cornerstones for the states future growth and development throughout the 20th century.