Santiago Surrender Tree 1958. The tree is now gone, but cannon and plaques continue to mark the surrender site. Santiago Surrender Tree The site of the Santiago Surrender Tree (also known as the "Tree of Peace" or ), located in Santiago, Cuba, marks where Spanish forces surrendered to U.S. forces on July 17, 1898, at the end of the Spanish–American War. The ceiba tree had been the site of previous prisoner exchanges. On July 1, 1898, U.S. and Cuban troops had taken Fort El Viso, El Caney and San Juan Hill. These victories led to the U.S. victory at Santiago de Cuba. Per
Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba all officers and soldiers of the United States Army (including Acting Assistant Surgeons and authorized Volunteer Aides), who constituted the expeditionary force to Santiago de Cuba and who worthily participated in the campaign between the dates of June 14 and July 17, 1898, and who shall signify their wish for membership by making application and paying the dues. There shall be three classes of membership, namely: First, Original Members; Second, Members by Inheritance, to consist of lineal male descendants of Original Members; and, Third, Members by Succession, to consist of those male blood relatives of the first or second class