Map and History of Cuba

A Clear and Graphic Account of the War of 1895-1897.’

This little pamphlet contains a fascinating firsthand account of the first three years of the Cuban War for Independence against their Spanish colonial occupiers. It was authored by Lieutenant E. Hannaford and published in Springfield Ohio by Mast, Crowell, & Kirkpatrick in 1897. The 32 pages presents an apparently authoritative, though clearly biased, history of the island nation from its discovery by Columbus to the latest revolutionary campaigns.

The tantalizing text describes the abundant and untapped resources while more inflammatory lines recount atrocities committed by local Spanish authorities. The overall attitude predicts later sensationalized reporting that would encourage American involvement in the conflict. The booklet includes a fold-out map of Cuba, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas – all deliberately presented in close proximity. Features like mountainous terrain, railroads, and navigable harbors are noted.

Given the early print date and the context in which it was issued, this could be considered one of the first published maps of an independent Cuba, though another bloody war would need to take place before it was recognized by the United States. An updated example of the booklet would be issued in 1898, shortly after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Sources: Library of Congress; Hathi Trust Digital Library;