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Photos of Cuba:
 Spanish-American War Era (1898)
 
 
Click on an image to enlarge it. These antique photographic images are of Cuba, Cubans, the Cuban landscape, and the U.S. military occupation of the country as a result of the Spanish-American War of 1898. The images come from the massive 1899 two-volume set Our Islands and Their People. The photographs are simply stunning and incredibly rare.  Each image is accompanied by a thorough description.
 
 
 
Spanish Earthworks and Wire Trocha Peace Hath Her Victories Scene of the Battle at La Guasimas Surrender Tree Plaza and Christopher Columbus Monument in Cardenas, Cuba
 
 
LA PUENTA FORTRESS, OPPOSITE MORRO CASTLE TOMB OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: One of the most famous works of art in existence, situated under the dome of Havana's Cathedral. Columbus is being carried by the kings of Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre. Columbus died in Spain in 1506. He was first buried in Valladolid, Spain, then in Seville, Spain. In 1542 his remains were taken to eastern Hispaniola (the island of Santo Domingo, in the area now called the Dominican Republic). The French (who had taken over Santo Domingo) moved the remains to Havana, Cuba, in 1795. It was not until after the Spanish-American War that the remains of Christopher Columbus were finally returned to Spain, where the tomb resides in the Cathedral of Seville. This image is extremely rare in that it shows the tomb as it existed in Havana just prior to its return to Spain.
Publisher's Preface La Puenta Fortress Tomb of Christopher Columbus El Templete Interior of Atares Castle
 
 
SCENE ON THE IMPERIAL ROAD, SUBURBS OF HAVANA: This photograph was taken in the outskirts of Marianao, and represents natives on their way to the fields to test the powers of their respective game birds.
Field before Atares Turret and Powder Magazine, Atares Castle Cuban Cockfight Havana's Imperial Road Squad of Havana Volunteers
 
 
Sixth Missouri Volunteers Street Scene in Guanabacoa Scene at Suburban Town of Quemado Fisherman and Quarters near Batabano Harvesting Sponges at Batabano
 
 
 
 
 
Greek Sponge Fishers, Batabano, Cuba Residence of the Alcalde of Nueva Gerona, Cuba Residence of Former Alcalde at Nueva Gerona, Isle of Pines, Cuba Native Wood-turner's Shop in Santa Fe, Cuba Native Huts near Santa Fe
 
 
Inn at Santa Fe Coasting Vessels Moored in Vicinity of Old Pirates' Rendezvous, Isle of Pines Hangman's Tree U.S. Army of Occupation in Havana, Cuba Street Scene in Marianao, Cuba
 
 
Cuban Coffee Planter Havana Public School Unloading Coffee for Transport Cuban Insurgents Type of Spanish Blockhouse
 
 
 
Desolate Home  American Soldiers Resting in a Cuban Village Cabanas Fortress Bathing Pools near La Puente Insurgent Officers
 
 
 
Major-General Joseph Wheeler  Spanish Cavalry Wreck of the U.S.S. Maine Court of a Spanish Gentleman's Residence at Havana, Cuba U.S.S. Maine Wreckage
 
 
  CUBAN OX CART: Showing method of fastening the yoke to the horns of the oxen and arrangement of ropes in the noses of the animals. THE CATHEDRAL OF HAVANA: This is the oldest church in Havana, having been built in 1724. The architecture is of the pronounced Spanish type and very antique. More than ordinary interest attaches to this cathedral from the fact that it contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Morro Castle  Major-General Joseph Wheeler Governor-General's Palace in Havana, Cuba Cuban Ox Cart Cathedral of Havana
 
 
INSURGENT CAMP IN VICINITY OF THE LOPEZ RENDEZVOUS  ATARES CASTLE, HAVANA: Showing the principal entrance and drawbridge, in the center of which Colonel Crittenden, the famous Kentuckian, was shot. FALUCAS, OR PLEASURE BOATS, IN HAVANA HARBOR: These boats are used to convey passengers from the larger ships to the docks and for the accommodation of pleasure seekers. There are upwards of 500 of these falucas, as they are styled, in Havana Harbor. AUDITORIUM OF TACON THEATRE: The interior finish of this theater is most superb, exceeding in elegance the famous playhouses of Paris. The decorations and embellishments are in silver and gold, the effect of which under the influence of the electric lights is gorgeous in the extreme. CUSTOM HOUSE AT HAVANA: Merchandise from the United States undergoing inspection by the Customs officials.
Insurgent Camp in the Vicinity of the Lopez Rendezvous  Atares Castle, Havana Falucas, or Pleasure Boats, in Havana Harbor Auditorium of Tacon Theatre Custom House at Havana
 
 
HAVANA POLICEMAN: A characteristic photograph of a representative of the new native police of Havana, with uniform, arms and accoutrements.  COL. HARDEMAN AND STAFF, 6TH MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS RECOJIDAS JAIL, HAVANA: This is the celebrated jail in which Evangelina Cisneros was imprisoned at the time of her rescue. In the upper left hand corner will be seen the aperture through which she escaped to the street. The picture also shows a group of women prisoners at the jail entrance. EVANGELINA BETANCOURT CISNEROS STREET ADJACENT TO RECOJIDAS JAIL: This is the street down which Miss Cisneros was driven by her rescuers to the home of Don Carlos Carbonel.
Havana Policeman  Col. Hardeman and Staff, 6th Missouri Volunteers Recojidas Jail, Havana Evangelina Betancourt Cisneros Street Adjacent to Recojidas Jail
 
 
THE DUNGEON UNDER ATARES CASTLE: The apartment on the left was formerly used as a place of torture and the doorway on the right enters the death chamber. In the foreground are shown various instruments of torture, together with the dead wagon used by the Spaniards.  STREET SCENE IN CERRO, SUBURBS OF HAVANA: A quaint village among the hills near the Almendares River. It is remarkable for its tortuous streets and antiquated houses, many of which are in ruins. TEAMING ON THE IMPERIAL ROAD NEAR HAVANA: Photograph shows five-mule-tandem hitched to lumber cart. Lines are used only on the wheel animal, the leaders instinctively obeying his movements. JUVENILE TYPES, SUBURBS OF HAVANA: Native boys near the village of Cerro, playing "chuck the rock," similar to the American game of "duck the rock." It is contrary to popular custom in Cuba for children of both sexes to play together, as is evinced by the attitude of the little girl who watches the game from behind the barred window casement. PUENTES GRANDES, A SUBURB OF HAVANA: Showing four-ox team such as is used in all the districts of Cuba. Where the ascent is very pronounced an additional ox team is placed in the rear of the cart, being trained to assist by pushing.
Dungeon under Atares Castle  Street Scene in Cerro, Suburbs of Havana Teaming on the Imperial Road near Havana Juvenile Types, Suburbs of Havana Puentes Grandes, a Suburb of Havana
 
 
HEAD WATERS OF THE RIO ALMENDARES: Showing source and works of Havana's excellent water supply.  ANCIENT CHATALET ON THE ALMENDARES: An extreme outpost of the Imperial forces during the Cuban-Spanish war, the owner of this chatalet was on one occasion besieged in his stronghold by a detachment of insurgents and for a period of two months was unable to make his escape with his family. VOTARIES OF THE COCKPIT: The bird shown in the photograph is known as a "patogallo" (pato-gallo, literally "duck-rooster"), partaking both of the nature of a chicken and a goose, used in cockfighting. Attention is called to its sharpness of beak and length of legs, one of its toes being shown protruding from between the fingers of its master. This species of game fowl is the most formidable known, and one of them has been known to whip half a dozen ordinary fighting birds in rapid succession. SCENE AT BATABANO, SOUTH COAST OF HAVANA PROVINCE: Batabano is the center of the sponge-fishing industry of the West Indies. In this quaint little seaport, the streets are in some instances replaced by canals, like those of Venice. The photograph shows one of these watery thoroughfares, together with the gondola-like conveyances of the natives. SPONGE FISHING FLEET IN THE HARBOR OF BATABANO
Head Waters of the Rio Almendares  Ancient Chatalet on the Almendares River Votaries of the Cockpit Scene at Batabano, South Coast of Havana Province, Cuba Sponge Fishing Fleet in the Harbor of Batabano
 
 
FISHER FOLK AND THEIR HOMES AT BATABANO  CEMETERY IN THE SUBURBS OF HAVANA: The graves shown in the photograph were rented for a term of years. If at the expiration of the period the lease was not renewed, the bodies were exhumed and thrown into a great open pit in a remote corner of the grounds. This practice has recently been abolished by the American authorities. WHERE THE HEROES OF THE MAINE LIE BURIED: A spot in the beautiful "Campo Santo," just west of Havana, that will always be held profoundly sacred in the hearts of the American people. In the center of the cross to the right is a tablet bearing the inscription, "A las victimes del Maine," being a tribute of respect from a prominent Havana club. VIEW OF THE INTERIOR, NEAR THE MOUNTAINS: The range of mountains extending through the central portion of the Island of Cuba presents many extraordinarily beautiful views, and will afford delightful summer resorts for the inhabitants after they shall have recovered from the effects of war. Rich plantations of sugar cane nestle in the valleys, while coffee trees and other tropical products grow on the mountain sides. SUBURBAN RAILWAY SERVICE OF HAVANA: Showing interior and occupants of first-class passenger coach. The figure in white on the left is the conductor. The second- and third-class coaches differ only in the character of the seats, those of the former being of wood, and of the latter plain benches.
Fisher Folk and Their Homes at Batabano  Cemetery in the Suburbs of Havana, Cuba Where the Heroes of the Maine Lie Buried View of the Cuban Interior near the Mountains Suburban Railway Service of Havana
 
 
EARLY HOME OF EVANGELINA CISNEROS, NUEVA GERONA, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD) EXTERIOR OF JAIL AT NUEVA GERONA, WHERE EVANGELINA CISNEROS WAS IMPRISONED (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD) RUINS OF SPANISH FORT, NUEVA GERONA, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): Destroyed by insurgents during the late Spanish-Cuban war. INTERIOR COURT OF JAIL AT NUEVA GERONA, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): The figure leaning against the pillar is Dr. Fernando Plazaolo, the present Mayor of Nueva Gerona. Immediately to his right is the entrance to the cell in which Evangeline Cisneros was imprisoned. MANUFACTURING A NEW PLOW: The implement is made entirely of wood, fashioned from a single piece of timber, and has but one handle. It is the plow in common use all over Cuba.
Early Home of Evangelina Cisneros, Nueva Gerona, Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud), Cuba Exterior of Jail at Nueva Gerona Ruins of a Spanish Fort at Nueva Gerona Interior Court of Jail at Nueva Gerona Manufacturing a New Plow
 
 
CART PULLED BY PAIR OF OXEN BIRDSEYE VIEW OF NUEVA GERONA, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): This photograph was taken from the Custom House, and includes the principle portion of the town, showing character of houses and their surroundings. MAGNESIUM SPRING NEAR SANTA FE: This is the largest of the mineral springs. Its waters are used expressly for drinking purposes. The springs which supply the bathing pools are located close at hand. FAMOUS MAGNESIUM CREEK, NEAR SANTA FE: The beautiful stream flows through a perfect tangle of tropical foliage. Its waters are marvelously clear and partake of the same medicinal qualities as the springs upon the bank. A TYPICAL SANTA FE RESIDENCE: These houses are constructed of concrete and adobe, roofed over with red tiling. The photograph shows native woman indulging in a cigarette while washing clothes.
Cart Pulled by a Pair of Oxen Birdseye View of Nueva Gerona, Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud), Cuba Magnesium Spring near Santa Fe, Cuba Famous Magnesium Creek, near Santa Fe A Typical Santa Fe Residence
 
 
NATIVE OF SANTA FE: Showing popular method of carrying burdens in Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud). SUBURBAN HABITATIONS AND NATIVE TYPES, SANTA FE, ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD CUSTOM HOUSE AT NUEVA GERONA, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): Showing how all kinds of merchandise is shipped in sacks with straw padding. Also the various types found on the island, from the fair-complected Spaniard to the ebony-skinned negro. PORTION OF SANTA FE, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): Showing location of town in the midst of densely wooded valley, and surrounded by forest-clad foothills. THE AMERICAN ARMY OF OCCUPATION ENTERING THE SUBURBS OF HAVANA
Native of Santa Fe Suburban Habitations and Native Types, Santa Fe, Isla de la Juventud Custom House at Nueva Gerona, Isle of Pines Portion of Santa Fe, Isla de la Juventud American Army of Occupation Entering the Suburbs of Havana
 
 
NATIVE BAKER ON HIS ROUNDS GREEK FISHING BOAT, OFF ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): The boat is loaded with the products of the island, principally yuca, which is one of the most valuable articles of commerce. The man on the left was preparing breakfast of fish and rice over a charcoal fire when Mr. Townsend took the picture. A CARIB "AUNTIE," ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): There is little, if any, social distinction in the islands on account of color. The races associate together, and even intermarry, without losing caste or social position. BRIDGE ACROSS THE SANTA FE RIVER, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD), NEAR THE TOWN OF SANTA FE: This photograph shows the mode of traveling adopted by our artist, Mr. W.B. Townsend, in the Isle of Pines, together with his guide, assistant and outfit. Senor Bloy Lopez, the guide, was a leader of the insurgents on the island, and has the marks of twenty machete wounds on different parts of his body, received in the various battles and combats in which he took part. BAHIA DEL CERRO (BAY OF THE HILLS): This place derives its name from its proximity to the interior foot-hills with which it is connected by a river of considerable size. It was formerly a favorite landing-place of the pirates and Buccaneers during the period of their dominance in the West Indian seas.
Native Baker on His Rounds  Greek Fishing Boat, off Isla de la Juventud A Carib "Auntie," Isle of Pines Bridge across the Santa Fe River, Isle of Pines Bahia del Cerro (Bay of the Hills)
 
 
BUCCANEERS' COVE, ISLE OF PINES (ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD): A noted resort of Buccaneers. Showing, also, the interior range of mountains, to whose influence the salubrity and healthfulness of the climate are largely due. 
Buccaneers' Cove, Isle of Pines (Isla de la Juventud) Police Holdover, or Common Jail, in Havana Natives Coaching Their Game Birds A Cuban Volante Sugar Mill and Employees near Havana
 
 
 
Noonday in a Havana Suburb  Stone Bridge across the Almendares Ox-cart and Group of Natives in Outskirts of Marianao, Cuba Native Charcoal Vendor Interior of a Cuban Cigar-Cigarette Factory
 
 
 
The Prado, Havana, Cuba  Docks at Havana Indian Statue in Havana, Cuba Peddler and His Outfit
 
 
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