Teddy Roosevelt: The Rough Riders

The Rough Riders, officially known as the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, was a diverse and notable regiment formed in 1898 for the Spanish-American War, gaining fame for their participation in the Battle of San Juan Hill. Originally intended to be made up of frontiersmen from various U.S. territories, the regiment attracted a mix of Ivy League athletes, cowboys, Native Americans, and others, all skilled horsemen eager for combat. Led initially by Colonel Leonard Wood and later featuring Theodore Roosevelt as second in command, the Rough Riders became one of the most celebrated units of the war, capturing public attention and historical legacy.