Charge of the 24th and 25th Colored Infantry and Rescue of Rough Riders at San Juan Hill, July 2nd, 1898, Kurz & Allison Chromolithograph, 1899. 19-1/2" x 28" sight. Depicts one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of the Spanish American War. Then-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's actions during the battle earned him a recommendation for a Congressional Medal of Honor (denied but awarded posthumously in 2001) and helped to propel him to the governorship of New York. According to an article by Anthony Powell on the Spanish American War Centennial Website, 25 African American soldiers were awarded the Certificate of Merit for their actions on San Juan Hill, and one Rough Rider corporal stated "if it hadn't been for the black calvary, the Rough Riders would have been exterminated." Publishers Kurz and Allison were best known for their circa 1880s chromolithographs battle scenes (including retrospective Civil War battles), intended more to inspire emotion than provide historical accuracy. However, several Kurz and Allison prints broke new ground by prominently depicting the role of African American soldiers in American military operations. Condition: Light toning and fading; possible area of abrasion 2" square in tree area, upper right quadrant near center. Frame broken at upper left corner. Condition: Light toning and fading; possible area of abrasion 2" square in tree area, upper right quadrant near center. Frame broken at upper left corner.