Tampa Bay Hotel (Tampa, Fla.)

Stacy A. Cordery explores the visit of Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt to Tampa, Florida, in June 1898 to spend time with her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, before his regiment departed for battle in Cuba. Cordery provides background for the visit, including the poor health of Edith and her son Theodore Roosevelt in the months leading up to the Spanish-American War. Cordery describes the Tampa Bay Hotel where the Roosevelts stayed, and she notes Edith’s interactions with members of the Rough Riders and the press, in particular, reporter Richard Harding Davis. Cordery asserts that the visit was important to the Roosevelts, assuring Roosevelt that his wife was well enough to care for their family in his absence.  

Six photographs accompany the text, including a portrait of the Roosevelt family, Roosevelt’s favorite picture of Edith, three scenes from Tampa, Florida, and a photograph of Cordery.

Gary Ross Mormino explores the relationship between Florida, Cuba, and the Spanish-American War. Mormino describes the enclaves of Cuban immigrants in Florida, and he notes that cities like Key West, Florida, were home to revolutionary movements and figures like Jose Marti. Mormino examines the influx of soldiers into Florida cities such as Tampa, Lakeland, and Miami, and he details the not unexpected difficulties with drink, women, and race relations between white and African American soldiers. Mormino also describes the chaotic mustering and departure of the troops from Florida, and he asserts that while much of Florida may have experienced a temporary economic boost from the war, it had “little long-term impact” on the state.

Eight photographs and five illustrations populate the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2009-10-24