Investment of Santiago

Once on the high ground, American forces did not pursue their victory. Instead, they immediately began to fortify the area with their own earthworks. They stayed on San Juan Hill, building "bomb proofs" and engaging in long distance exchanges with Spanish until a surrender was arranged on July 17. Prior to the surrender General William Shafter had his command entrench in strategic places around Santiago effectively cutting off any outside aid to the city’s Spanish defenders. After Spanish Admiral Cervera’s naval squadron was destroyed by the U.S. Navy blockading force, the Spanish land forces were isolated and forced to surrender. The surrender was arranged by a group of Spanish and U.S. officers who met in the shade of a tree that stood in the area between the opposing lines. This came to be known as the "Surrender Tree."

U. S. troops maintained positions on San Juan Hill for several months after the end of combat. The hill was also used as bivouac area during subsequent American incursions into Cuba in the early years of the 20th century.

Images from Investment of Santiago