Documents the story of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment through diaries, memoirs, letters, and newspaper accounts showing glimpses of their lives and detailing their experiences during the Spanish-American War, as well as creating a fuller picture of what it meant to be a "Rough Rider".

Introduction -- Chronology -- Recruitment and enlistment. Recruiting -- The other "Rough Riders" -- Training -- Appearance -- Weapons and equipment -- Conditions of Service. Pay -- Feeding the regiment -- Recreation -- Discipline -- Belief and belonging. Support for the Cuban cause -- Manifest destiny and the rise of American imperialism -- The reunification of a divided nation -- Religion and race -- Life on campaign. A "hot time" on the march -- Disease -- Experience of battle. The battle of San Juan Heights -- The final road to victory -- Aftermath -- Collections, museums, and living history.