Rough Riders

The Rough Riders were a diverse group of volunteers led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Comprising cowboys, athletes, law enforcement officers, and others, they trained quickly and fought bravely in Cuba, notably at the Battle of San Juan Hill. Their success helped Cuba gain independence from Spain and boosted Roosevelt’s national reputation. The Rough Riders symbolize patriotism, rugged individualism, and the blending of different social backgrounds united by a common purpose in wartime.