HISTORIX Vintage 1939 Rust Cotton Picker Photo Print - Old Photo of Cotton Picker in Cloverdale Plantation Clarksdale Mississippi Poster

Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders during the early twentieth century. It was formed in the same year that this photograph was taken, and it remains one of the most enduring images from Roosevelt's time as a regiment leader. Initially, the regiment was intended to be composed of frontiersmen. However, after Roosevelt took charge of the group, it attracted a mix of Ivy League athletes, Texas Rangers, and Indigenous Americans. Roosevelt's time in charge of the Rough Riders was the most publicized of any Army regiment, and it became one of the most iconic forces in the United States. The Rough Riders became a legendary force and were featured in silent films that glorified their efforts in the Battle of San Juan Hill. The volunteer force was formed in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahomaprimarily for the reason that they were preparing for combat in the hot, humid climate of Cuba. The volunteers famously gathered at the Menger Hotel Bar in San Antonio, which is operational to this day and serves as a tribute to the Rough Riders, displaying uniforms and other memorabilia. Training for the Rough Riders began with basic military drills, standard protocols, as well as habits involving obedience, etiquette, and physical and mental drills to hone their skills prior to combat. This iconic photograph remains one of the most enduring images of the era and immediately transports the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present.