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Who We Are

The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Inc. is a Tampa-based nonprofit fraternal organization rooted in the proud legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the legendary volunteer cavalry regiment that rode to glory in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Headquartered in Ybor City at 601 N. 19th Street — just blocks from where many of the original Rough Riders mustered before shipping out to Cuba — our regiment is the keeper of one of Tampa's most remarkable collections of historical artifacts, memorabilia, and stories tied directly to that pivotal moment in American history.

Visit Our Museum

Our headquarters is home to an extraordinary collection of Rough Rider history that you won't find anywhere else in the world. From original uniforms, weapons, and personal effects carried by the men who charged up San Juan Hill, to photographs, documents, and relics that bring the summer of 1898 vividly to life, the museum offers a rare window into a defining chapter of both Tampa and American history. Located in the heart of historic Ybor City — the very neighborhood that served as the regiment's staging ground — a visit to our museum is a journey back to the moment Tampa stood at the center of a nation going to war.


Teddy Roosevelt Museum

The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Inc was founded in 1978 to create and perpetuate a living memorial to the unique accomplishments of President Theodore Roosevelt and the members of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, known as the Rough Riders.

It is the intent of the members of the organization to develop ways to celebrate this great moment in American History; to collect and display artifacts of the era; to educate and emphasize to generations to come the importance of this feat by military forces; and to create other memorials as shall be appropriate from time to time.

Our Regimental Headquarters is located at 601 N 19th Street, Tampa, Florida and houses our Museum, our meeting facilities, our float barn and administrative offices. The Museum is available to be visited by appointment at no cost Monday-Friday, 11AM-3PM. Please coordinate with our Administrative Assistant in advance at 813-248-1898, or office@tamparoughriders.org for an appointment. One of our several volunteer staff members will provide a tour.


 The Theordore Roosevelt and Rought Riders museum is a Proud Member of
      

 

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1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment

Join the Tampa Rough Riders

Applications for Probationary Membership — 2026–2027

The Tampa Rough Riders are a proud 501(c)(3) fraternal organization carrying on the spirit and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's legendary 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. We are a brotherhood of community service, camaraderie, and tradition — and we're always looking for exceptional men and women to ride with us.

Membership applications are accepted May 1 – June 30 each year. New members enter on a probationary basis and are sponsored by two active members in good standing. Approval requires a vote of the membership at a regularly scheduled meeting.

What to Expect

  • Complete the online application form below
  • Secure two sponsors who are active Rough Riders members
  • Attend a membership meeting for introduction and vote
  • Complete the probationary period and initiation process
  • Pay the applicable initiation fee and annual dues

Annual dues are $500 for Full Members. A payment plan option is available. All applicants must reside within 80 miles of our clubhouse at 601 N. 19th St., Tampa, FL 33605, or qualify for Non-Resident Membership.

Opens in a new window  |  Application window: May 1 – June 30

Questions? Contact membership@roughriders.email

601 N. 19th St., Tampa, FL 33605

Teddy Bear Runs

Every year, the Rough Riders collect, sort, and distribute thousands of Teddy Bears to hospital patients, cancer survivors and their families, centers for abused women and children, community health centers, special needs day care centers, and foster children. To learn how you can support the Rough Riders through the donation of "new-unused" Teddy Bears or to request a Teddy Bear Run please call (813) 248-1898 or email your request to office@tamparoughriders.org


Rough Rider Office - 813-248-1898 - 601 N 19th St . - Tampa, FL 33605  Email: office@tamparoughriders.org
© 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment - Rough Riders, Inc. 501(C)(3)  Non-Profit Charitable Organization. 
All rights reserved.  Site development by Robin Conn

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