The Rough Riders

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Theodore Roosevelt formed a diverse group known as the Rough Riders, comprising Ivy League graduates, cowboys, Native Americans, African-Americans, and land speculators. After a brief training period in the Texas desert, they embarked for Cuba, where they engaged in fierce combat. Their bravery was notable, but they faced significant casualties, often exceeding those of the Spanish forces. The story highlights the unique composition and valor of this eclectic regiment in a pivotal moment in American history.