How diverse is Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Rider Regiment in the Spanish-American War?

The diversity of the Rough Riders was in ethnicity, economics, education as well as professions. But Roosevelt cared nothing about diversity for diversity’s sake. He wanted men who could do the job regardless of their status.

Before becoming President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He resigned in 1898 to organize the Rough Riders, the first voluntary cavalry in the Spanish-American War.

The Rough Riders were primarily made of college athletes, cowboys, and ranchers. The volunteers were gathered in four areas: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. They were gathered mainly from the southwest because the hot climate region that the men were used to was similar to that of Cuba where they would be fighting.

The greatest difficulty in organizing was not in selecting, but in rejecting men. The allowed limit set for the volunteer cavalry men was promptly met. They gathered a diverse bunch of men consisting of cowboys, gold or mining prospectors, hunters, gamblers, Native Americans and college boys; all of whom were able-bodied and capable on horseback and in shooting. Among these men were also police officers and military veterans who wished to see action again. Men who had served in the regular army during campaigns against Indians or served in the Civil War had been collected to serve as higher ranking officers in the cavalry. In this regard they possessed the knowledge and experience to lead and train the men well. One of their commanders was a former Confederate general, Joseph Wheeler.

The Rough Riders participated in the capture of Kettle Hill, and then charged across a valley to assist in the seizure of San Juan Ridge, the highest point of which is San Juan Hill.

Source: Brent Cooper (Quora)

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