Clarissa “Clara” Harlowe Barton, founder of THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, traveled through Tampa, in 1898, on her way to Cuba during the Spanish American War.  In 1898, at the age of 77, Barton obtained permission to travel to Cuba, and on April 25, 1898, the U.S, Government declared war on Spain. Barton waited here, at the Red Cross headquarters, while soldiers assembled in Tampa before embarking to Cuba.  While in Tampa, her nurses received intensive emergency medical training.  Barton followed the military to Cuba bringing nurses and supplies.   The first time the American Red Cross gave medical aid in wartime was during the Spanish-American War of 1898. Miss Barton treated the wounded Rough Riders, who were led by Theodore Roosevelt.