The 1899 fighters were a group of American soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War. They were members of the 1st United States Volunteer Engineers, also known as the "Rough Riders." The Rough Riders were a cavalry unit led by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, who later became President of the United States. The unit was composed of a mix of cowboys, athletes, and Ivy League graduates. The Rough Riders fought in several battles during the war, including the Battle of Las Guasimas and the Battle of San Juan Hill. They were known for their bravery and determination, and they played a key role in the American victory in the war.