The Battle of San Juan Hill, also known as the battle for the San Juan Heights, was
a decisive battle of the Spanish-American War in Cuba. The names San Juan Hill
and Kettle Hill were names given by the Americans. This fight for the heights was the bloodiest and most famous battle of the War. It was also the location of the greatest victory for the Rough Riders (pictured below) as claimed by the press and its new commander, the future Vice-President and later President, Theodore Roosevelt. He
was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his victorious actions in
Cuba. Overlooked then by the American Press, much of the heaviest fighting was
done by African-American troops.  

San Juan Heights Blockhouse is pictured in background

Roosevelt (center) and his Rough Riders atop San Juan Hill.

Col. Roosevelt in Rider uniform