This Day In Wyoming History – Torrey’s ‘Rough Riders’ Leave Cheyenne For Florida

Many, who live in Cheyenne, are familiar with Wyoming's role in the Spanish-American War. It was on this date, in 1898, that Torrey's Rough Riders left Cheyenne.

Jay Lynn Torrey was the second cousin of President William Howard Taft. After going to school and living in St. Louis, Missouri, he decided to move to Wyoming to help his brother, Robert Torrey, raise cattle and work the ranch.

Jay had found himself involved with Wyoming politics and served as speaker of the House in the Wyoming Legislature.

When the Spanish-American War broke out, he made the trip to Washington D.C. and asked President McKinley if he could put together a regiment of Rough Riders in the Western part of the states. He wanted to organize with his friend, then Col. Teddy Roosevelt.

After receiving permission from the President, Torrey came back to Wyoming and organized the 2nd U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, which was nicknamed 'Torrey's Rough Riders."

Torrey's men were made up of those who were very skilled with both revolver and rifle. The 'pick of the mountain and plains', if you will. There were big crowds of people that got together to see them off at the Cheyenne Depot, accompanied by lunches made by the local ladies.

It was on this date in 1898, that Torrey's Rough Riders left Fort Russel, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and headed to Jacksonville, Florida, to help fight in the war effort in Cuba.

There is a statue, entitled 'Taking the Oath', at the corner of 24th and Central, on the south-east corner of the capitol, in Cheyenne. The video below will talk about the statue and a brief history of those who helped fight in the war effort.