Rough Riders

6 minutes and 21 seconds

At the turn of the 20th Century, still a territory, New Mexicans wanted to prove their loyalty to the United States. They found their opportunity by joining Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders to fight in the Spanish American War. Roosevelt recruited the tough westerners like New Mexican Maximiliano Luna to be part of his Rough Riders. After the war Rough Rider reunions were held for decades at the historic Hotel Castañeda in Las Vegas.

Shot on location at the Hotel Castañeda, Noted Western historian Dr.Paul Hutton shares his great knowledge of this important step in New Mexico achieving statehood.

 

Click for Lesson Plan