How did Teddy Roosevelt support New Mexico in the bid for statehood?

When New Mexico was trying to become a state in the Union, it faced a lot of opposition. Many people were concerned that New Mexico had not reached the level of development that other states in the West enjoyed. They were also afraid of the fact that New Mexico had a very large Hispanic population, which might not assimilate well into the Union.

Teddy Roosevelt, however, supported the bid for statehood. He was impressed with the response that New Mexico displayed when asked for volunteers. The president claimed that half of his Rough Riders came from New Mexico. He also praised the territory's efforts in his address in Albuquerque in 1903.

He said his rough riders came from that area, boosting overall support and admiration for people of the region.