IDENTIFIED BLACK SPANISH AMERICAN WAR UNIT GROUP PHOTOGRAPH - 9TH OHIO VOLUNTEERS Scarce outdoor image showing the entire 9th Ohio Battalion, the only black unit from Ohio in the Spanish-American War, congregated for inspection or on field parade. Staff officers and the company commander are on horseback with sabers drawn, while the commanders of the battalion's four companies each stand at attention beside their respective commands. The unit's brass band stands next to the mounted officers, with what may be orderlies or other staff not attached to a particular company standing behind the mounted officers. The unit's camp is clearly visible in the background. It is interesting to note that unlike similar units during the Civil War, all of this unit's officers are black as well. In this image, the first of its kind we have encountered, the pride of the unit in itself appears evident. This is not surprising, for its commander, Major Charles Young, was drawn from the regular army and remained the highest ranking black American officer until World War II. An excellent image with good contrast, lightly scuffed with a mount chipped in places, else very good.