The possibility of war was the topic of conversation on the streets of Muskogee in the spring of 1898. In a show of patriotism, folks were wearing red, white and blue ribbons on their lapels because of an incident in Cuba. The battleship USS Maine had been dispatched to Cuba to protect Americans there as violence on the island had increased.

Cubans were then fighting for independence from Spain. While anchored in a Cuban harbor, the American ship exploded and sank. A swift response to this attack on an American ship was being urged by many and was much discussed by Muskogee citizens.

As the country sought to bolster its troop levels, a notice appeared on the front door to the post office. Men were being sought for enlistment in the First U.S. Volunteer Calvary, and a recruiting officer would soon arrive in Muskogee. Two troops would be enlisted from Indian Territory as well as troops from Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico Territories.

Captain Allyn K. Capron arrived in Muskogee shortly after the notice went up. A recruiting office was hastily set up in a vacant building and a long line of volunteers formed at the door. Men over 60 who had seen action in the Civil War and boys too young to go were among the willing.

Captain Capron weeded through the many applicants and chose the best that he felt Indian Territory had to offer. Many of the recruits were from Muskogee, but Vinita, Pryor, McAlester and other area towns also contributed soldiers to the cause. Captain Capron declared he had never seen such good material for soldiers and he would gladly serve as their commander.

Among the new recruits was a young Choctaw man named Milo Hendricks. He was attending Henry Kendall College with plans to graduate in 1901. He was a popular and well-known fellow, for he participated in athletics at the college and sang with the Kendall Quartette. Hendricks had a bright future ahead of him, one that he would put on hold while he served his country in Cuba.

Muskogee citizens were determined to support the troops and give them a good sendoff. Dozens of suppers and rallies were held in their honor. An impromptu banquet was held at the fairgrounds, with tables loaded with food, stirring speeches given by dignitaries and music provided by a band and local glee club. Young ladies of the town handed out flowers, and mothers made sure all the young men had a New Testament to carry with them into battle.

Finally, it was time to embark on their mission. The recruits of Troops L and M met at the Katy Depot, and nearly all of Muskogee turned out to see them off. Before the volunteers loaded onto the train that would carry them to San Antonio, they formed a long line, raised their right hands and pledged to defend their country.

The Spanish-American War was a quick victory for the United States, and the troops from Muskogee were in the thick of its few battles, having gained the nickname of the Rough Riders. Indian Territory distinguished itself by having the only troops without a single desertion during this brief war.

Within a few months the soldiers were returning home, many sick from malaria and other fevers contracted in the tropical climate. Milo Hendricks did not return home. He was killed at the battle for San Juan Hill. Hendricks was honored as a hero in Muskogee for his ultimate sacrifice in duty to his country.

Reach Jonita Mullins at jonita@netscape.com.