Captain Maximilio Luna, born June 16, 1870 at Los Lunas, New Mexico, died November 18, 1899 at the Philippine Islands.

Many Hispanic patriots also served in the “Rough Riders” with Theodore Roosevelt. Among them were private John B. Alamia, Sergeant George W. Armijo, Private G.W. Aringo, Private Jose M. Baca, Private Frank C. Brito, Private Jose Brito, Private Abel B. Duran, Private Joseph L. Duran, Captain Maximiliano Luna, and Saddler Joe T. Sandoval. Of all these Latino patriots, perhaps Captain Maximiliano Luna was the most distinguished Latino member of the “Rough Riders.” He was descended directly from the conquistadors who settled New Mexico in 1650 and his family had lived along the Rio Grande River since the 17th century. At the time that he joined the Rough Riders, he was 38 years and was educated at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the group, he had served as a sheriff in Valencia County, New Mexico.

Links

Camp Maximiliano Luna

NewMexicoHistory.org