Theodore Roosevelt: Rare 1904 RNC Puerto Rico delegate badge

Badge worn by a Puerto Rico delegate to the Republican National Convention, Chicago, 1904. White silk with gold printing and wire braid tassles. Chas. W. Dahlgreen, "Makers of Flags, Banners, Badges, Caps," Chicago. Original pin attachment.

Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States by Spain in 1898, and remains a U.S. territory. Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917, but cannot vote for president, although delegations are sent to the presidential nominating conventions. This is the earliest Puerto Rico delegate badge we have seen. The 1904 RNC nominated Theodore Roosevelt for president.