Spanish-American War: Battle of Santiago de Cuba

July 3, 1898 - Off the coast of Cuba, US ships led by Rear Admiral William T. Sampson and Commodore Winfield S. Schley destroy a Spanish squadron under Admiral Pascual Cervera at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba (left). The climatic naval battle of the Spanish-American War, the victory gave the US Navy command of the waters around Cuba and isolated the Spanish garrison, ultimately leading to its surrender. Check out this article for more information about one of the only decisive battles involving American battleships.

Photograph Courtesy of the Library of Congress