The Spanish American War was America's first foreign war, fought between the United States and the Spanish Empire between April and August of 1898 as a result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence. The conflict was also America's first "Two Ocean War" fought in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This Grouping includes flags and ephemera from the United States her allies and adversaries.

This Grouping initiates with an exceptionally rare 1st Washington Volunteer Infantry Color. The U.S. attempted to mobilize both the regular army and the volunteers units of the various states, but the short duration of the War precluded any large scale mobilization. Because of the relatively small number of regiments deployed, unit colors in private hands are almost unknown.

While the most celebrated land battle of the conflict was the heroic charge of the Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders at the Battle of San Juan Hill; equally heroic was the attack of the African-American troopers of Company E of the 10th United States Cavalry, one week prior, at the Battle of Las Guasimas where they advanced under a withering Spanish fire. Presented here is their guidon which is also depicted in the painting "Day of Honor" which commemorates the heroism of Private Augustus Walley at that battle.

Seemingly out of place is an extremely rare flag from the Republic of Hawaii (1894-1898) which was annexed by the United States, as a result of the Spanish-American War. Also included in this Grouping are a several naval flags, one raised in commemoration on Admiral Dewey's flagship, the USS Olympia, as well selection of naval flags from the torpedo boat USS Winslow, at the Battle of Cardenas Bay, an action for which the only naval Medals of Honor were awarded during the conflict.

The Grouping concludes with Spanish and Cuban flags, flag color guard accoutrements and ephemera.