Spanish American War

Future President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, gained military status and fame by leading his “Rough Riders” in this war, fought from April to August, 1898.

Rough Riders were members of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry in the Spanish–American War. This “rough “ group was composed of cowboys, miners, law-enforcement officials, and college athletes and others and consisted of U.S. cavalry volunteers recruited by Theodore Roosevelt.

Our collections from this war include weapons, clothing, photographs, flags and much more.

Photo: © William Dinwiddie/Hulton Archive/Getty Archive