Photograph album of Cuba

Originally formed in June 1847, the 12th Regiment, initially known as the 11th Regiment, was composed of ten companies from a number of existing units. The regiment served for several three month terms during the Civil War, including the surrender of Harper's Ferry, at which the entire regiment was taken prisoner by Stonewall Jackson. The regiment also served in the Orange Riots of 1871, the railroad riots of 1877, the switchman's strike in Buffalo of 1892, and the motormen's strike in Brooklyn of 1895.

The 12th Regiment was mustered into federal service on May 13, 1898 at Camp Townsend in Peekskill, NY. It was also officially designated as the "12th Regiment Infantry, New York Vols." that same day. It was moved south to Camp George H. Thomas in Chickamauga Park, TN after only a few days in Peekskill. On August 24, 1898 the regiment was sent to Lexington, KY for garrison duty and then was shipped on to Americus, GA to set up a new camp. On December 26th the 12th Regiment left camp en route for Cuba, where it arrived on January 1, 1899 and took up garrison duty at Matanzas and Cardenas. On March 20, 1899 the regiment was sent home to New York City where it arrived on March 27th, and was mustered out on April 20, 1899.

The album includes photographs taken of the 12th Infantry Regiment at various times from 1898-1899 but largely over the course of its deployment to Cuba in 1899. The activities depicted include scenes of camp life (mess lines, working, relaxing, tents, pets, games, visitors), military life (inspections, marching, drilling), and people and places (buildings, fortifications, coastline, on board a ship, various people). Though almost entirely unlabeled, the album includes two exceptions: a picture depicting partially submerged wreckage, labeled "The Maine," a photograph of a landscape, labeled "Morro," a rail car with the name "Matanzas" painted on its side.

This photograph album was donated to the State Archives by Capt. Ronald G. Freiert, Commanding Officer, The Salvation Army, Elizabeth, N.J., in July 1987.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.