What role did Florida play in the Spanish-American war?

In 1898, national attention focused on Florida as the Spanish-American War began.

Florida was only 90 miles from the island of Cuba and was home to a large Cuban immigrant population. Cuban-Americans in Florida raised money and awareness in support of the war, and United States troops gathered in port cities around Florida. The port city of Tampa served as the primary staging area for the United States troops bound for the war in Cuba.

Explanation:

In 1898 national attention focused on Florida as the Spanish-American War began. The port city of Tampa served as the primary staging area for U. S. troops bound for the war in Cuba. Approximately, 25,000 U. S. troops were stationed in Tampa, which only had a population of 25,000 at the time. Tampa was chosen because of its close proximity to Cuba, its railroads, and its deep bay. Bibliography: ... Historical Dictionary of the Spanish American War.