125 Years Later, Hagerstown’s Bloom Park to Host Spanish-American War Commemoration

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Residents of Hagerstown will have the opportunity to explore their city’s lesser-known wartime legacy during a special observance marking the 125th anniversary of Bloom Park. Set for Saturday, July 5, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park, located at the corner of North Potomac Street and North Avenue. Originally dedicated on July 4, 1900, the park stands as one of the nation’s earliest memorials to Spanish-American War veterans.

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As part of the commemoration, the Washington County Historical Society will present museum exhibits detailing the park’s origins and the region’s contributions to the war. Living history reenactors will also be on hand, representing various branches of the U.S. military and the Spanish Army, offering residents a chance to connect with historical narratives that helped shape their community.

Hagerstown played a disproportionately significant role in the Spanish-American War. The local National Guard company was deployed under the command of a Civil War veteran, and one Hagerstown native, Private Edward Suman, died aboard the USS Maine—the event that precipitated the war. Another, Lieutenant Samuel Strite, served during the pivotal Battle of Manila Bay. After the war, local veterans founded the Col. Joseph Byron Post #3 of the United Spanish War Veterans.

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Bloom Park itself is a product of civic generosity and federal support. It was donated by former Mayor Samuel Bloom, with the central war trophy cannon contributed through the efforts of then-Senator Louis McComas. This cannon remains the focal point of the memorial, a tangible symbol of a war that influenced both national and local history.

The public is encouraged to attend, especially those interested in military history or community heritage. The event offers educational value for all ages and helps preserve awareness of Hagerstown’s contributions to American military history.