This term refers to a regiment of American volunteers who fought in the Spanish-American War. Officially designated the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, this group was composed of a diverse mix of individuals, including cowboys, miners, law enforcement officials, and college athletes. They are most famous for their participation in the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.
The significance of this unit lies in its contribution to American victory in the war and its role in propelling Theodore Roosevelt to national prominence. The regiment’s exploits, particularly the charge up San Juan Hill, were heavily publicized and contributed to a wave of patriotic fervor. This heightened national sentiment subsequently bolstered Roosevelt’s political career, leading to his governorship of New York and eventual presidency of the United States.
