Battle of Santiago

Battle of Santiago, engagement in the Spanish-American War, fought on July 3, 1898, at the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The city became the objective of the American attack when the Spanish Fleet under Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete took refuge in the harbor. On July 1, the American army under General William Rufus Shafter stormed Caney and San Juan hills, in front of the city. The harbor was blockaded by an American naval squadron under Commander William Thomas Sampson, and on July 3 the Spanish Fleet, attempting to escape, was destroyed outside the harbor entrance. On July 14 the commander of the Spanish land forces capitulated, and the city was formally surrendered on July 17.