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SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR MEMORIAL
Lebanon, Pennsylvania

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Dedicated Sep. 7, 1940, "The Hiker" was the first memorial established in the park.  A plaque placed adjacent to the statue some years later bears the following inscription: Erected By The County Of Lebanon, The City Of Lebanon And Lt. A.B. Gloninger Camp No. 91 United Spanish War Veterans To Commemorate The Valor and Patriotism Of Those Who Served In The War With Spain, The Philippine Insurrection And The China Relief Expedition

United States infantrymen during the Spanish-American War were called "Hikers", much as were "The Doughboy" of World War I and "GI Joe" of World War II.  The name "Hiker" comes from the nineteenth century use of the word "hike" for a long march under the tropical sun.

Sculpted by Allen George Newman "The Hiker" commemorates the American infantrymen who fought during the Spanish-American War.  Fifty-two statues were cast between 1921 and 1956, (possibly at The Gorham Company in Providence, RI) and can be found all across the country.

The actual Spanish-American War lasted only about three months wherein fewer than 500 soldiers fell.  Fever and canned food claimed more lives than did battle.

 

HONOR ROLL Dedicated To The Men Of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Who Gave Their Lives In The Spanish - American War   Edwin C. Blouch Frederick W. Fuhrman George Harpel William H. Heberling James L. Lewis Reuben H. Michael John H. Shay Edward A. Yeagly

 

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