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In 1898, the U.S. government asked Florida to provide one regiment of troops in twelve companies for service in the Spanish-American War. All 20 officially recognized companies of Florida State Troops volunteered. The 12 companies finally accepted considered themselves lucky to be part of Florida’s 1st Regiment. At least they did in May of 1898; few cared by Christmas. Still, they were the first modern Florida regiment and should be remembered. Because many individuals were rejected for service on medical grounds, individual volunteers were accepted from the eight companies not selected.

First Florida Volunteer Regiment

Source: Hawk, Robert. Florida’s Army: Militia, State Troops, National Guard, 1565-1985. Englewood, Fla: Pineapple Press, 1986.