What port city did many United States troops, including future president Theodore Roosevelt, depart for duty in Cuba from?

 

(Rough Riders encamped at San Juan Hill, San Juan, Cuba, ca. 1898, credit: HistoryMiami)

In 1898 the United States went to war with Spain.  The United States had joined the fight against Spain in Cuba, in Cuba’s fight for independence.  At the time Florida was known for its connections to Cuba, and it was also the closest state to the fighting.  Therefore, Florida became a staging area for many troops leaving for Cuba.

A: Tampa