In the spring of 1898, the 10th Cavalry, one of four all black regiments in the regular army at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, camped on the shore of Lake Wire while awaiting transport to Cuba to fight in the war. The black regiments had gained renown and the nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” through their exploits in campaigns against the American Indians on the western frontier. The forward elements of the 10th Cavalry arrived in Lakeland on May 14, established a camp on Lake Wire, and remained there until June 7, when they left for Cuba.