She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: The Cavalry in the West
A Temporary Exhibit April 12-August 17, 2008

The Cavalry in the Spanish American War era 1898-1902

The Spanish-American War era 1898-1902
General explanatory text for this case The unexpected War with Spain in 1898 saw major changes from the dreary decades of Indian campaigns on the plains. Fighting was now overseas in tropical climes, against enemies with modern arms and artillery. Black powder single shot carbines were replaced by magazine fed repeaters firing smokeless ammunition. Blue wool was replaced by cotton khaki. Context for the period Following the explosion of the Battleship USS Maine in Havana harbor, the United States declared war on Spain in April 1898, and by August had mustered an army, trained and equipped them, sent them to Cuba and the Philippines and defeated Spain in the far flung parts of their former empire reducing them to a position of international insignificance. This quick victory was followed by the Philippine Insurrection which tied up thousands of American troops for many years attempting to restore order in that country and set up a functioning government amidst secular warfare and warring tribes. A popular poem of the day referred to that as "Civilizing with a Krag..." the standard military rifle used by the U.S. Army.
Recommended References for further study: xxxxxxxxxxxx (available from Ft. Douglas Gift Shop- order here)

UNIFORMS

Sergeant , U.S. Cavalry
circa. 1899
Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

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Developed during the Spanish-American War, this practical blouse was made of khaki cotton drilling and marked the Army’s first real departure from traditional Army blue. Yellow shoulder straps identified the wearer as a cavalryman at a glance. 

Major, 5th Cavalry

circa. 1899

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

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This field grade officer wears the Model 1895 undress coat and forage cap.  The same pattern coat became the officer “dress” coat when the general uniform change took place in 1902.

SPANISH AMERICAN WAR ARMS

Firepower was increased by adopting weapons that were faster loading and had greater range. The old Civil War surplus saber was still issued, but rarely carried in the field.

Colt .38 Caliber Double-Action Revolver

Model 1894

Courtesy anonymous collection

(click here for detailed photos)

The swing out cylinder and double action features of this revolver, very “modern” features at this time, allowed faster reloading but the .38 caliber cartridge lacked the “stopping power.”

.30-40 Krag-Jorgensen

Model 1896

Courtesy anonymous collection

(click here for detailed photos)

With a five round magazine loaded on the side, the .30-40 Krag was the first smokeless powder carbine used by the Cavalry.  While the magazine provided a great advantage, they still had to be loaded with individual cartridges. The cavalry used this firearm from about 1896 to 1905.

First Utah Volunteer Cavalry Marching in Review
circa. 1898

Courtesy Fort Douglas Museum Collection

Kansas Volunteers in the Philippines

circa. 1899
Courtesy John Eldridge

Charter for the Salt Lake Chapter of
United Spanish War Veterans 1931

Courtesy Fort Douglas Museum Collection

Men of Troop G, 2nd U.S. Cavalry
Fort Riley , Kansas
Photo by Joseph Pennell, 1897
Courtesy University of Kansas

Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.
Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised:20 December 2008