The Santiago Surrender Tree is located in Santiago, Cuba. The monument marks the site at which Spanish forces surrendered Santiago de Cuba to United States forces on July 17, 1898 during the Spanish American War. On July 1, U.S. and Cuban troops had taken El Viso Fort, the town of El Caney and San Juan heights, and San Juan Hill was taken at the same time, with the help of the Rough Riders under Teddy Roosevelt. These victories opened the way to Santiago de Cuba. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was among those who cared for the wounded at Santiago.



By Act of Congress, the Santiago Surrender Tree became the responsibility of the American Battle Monuments Commission on July 1, 1958. The tree has since died, but the cannon and plaques continue to mark the surrender site.