The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898.  Hostilities began in the aftermath of the internal explosion of the USS Maine in the Havana harbor leading to American intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.

During the Spanish-American War, Black soldiers from the 10th Calvary Regiment of the United States Army, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed in Lakeland.  Although their stint was short, controversy did arise due to racial conflict.

Records reflect that 1898, some Buffalo Soldiers were confronted by a white mob after complaining about being denied service at a local drug store.  A barber, Joab Collins, pulled a gun during the ruckus and was killed by a gunshot from one of the Buffalo Soldiers.  The soldier was later convicted and given 20-years in the State penitentiary.

Blacks from Lakeland who served in the Spanish-American War include:

Page Under Construction