He was welcomed back to the US with a 2-day parade
He was honored with a two-day parade in New York City when he returned to the US as a hero following the Spanish-American War - one of the interesting facts about George Dewey. As part of this hero's welcome, Dewey was rewarded as the Admiral of the Navy - a unique promotion.
The September 30 land march is one of the centerpieces of that welcome. A regiment of sailors from the cruiser Olympia, Dewey's flagship, march by as cheering mobs wave flags in the street. A color guard bearing the American flag and what is likely the battalion flag, troops towing an artillery piece, and medical workers are all part of the battalion. A lengthy line of carriages follows the marching sailors. Robert A. Van Wyck, the mayor of New York City, and Admiral George Dewey travel in the first carriage, which is pulled by four horses (1898-1902).
Following are more carriages with dignitaries and naval personnel. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander of the North Atlantic Squadron rode a carriage that appears at approximately 53 feet, and the man in the top hat on the vehicle's opposite side was most likely Thomas F. Woods, President of the Board of Aldermen of New York City.
