In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States after the assasination of William McKinley. Roosevelt was born in New York City to a wealthy family. He struggled with many health problems while growing up but overcame them with hard work and determination. During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was Lt. Colonel of the Rough Riders Unit and led the charge up San Juan Hill. Roosevelt was a known conservationist, founding national forests and reserving lands for public use.