Coined as the "Game of the Century" Roque an American version of croquet had a brief run at becoming America's backyard pastime activity. It was created by Sam Crosby of New York City in 1889 and quickly its popularity spread throughout the country. Very similar to croquet but played with shorter mallots, slightly smaller balls, wickets not much larger than the ball, the ability to play off the short curb wall along the perimeter of the court and played on a hard surface rather than grass that croquet is traditionally played on.

Roque appeared at the 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis with 4 competitors (all American). As part of Roosevelt New Deal Program during the Great Depression the CCC/WPA constructed courts throughout the country in public parks and public land. There was a National Organization with leagues and tournaments throughout the country that brought hundreds of participants and spectators.

Sadly the game disappeared from the American landscape as quickly as it appeared. Today only a handful of playable roque courts remain scattered throughout the country. Those remaining playable courts all have a strong local following seeking to preserve the game and pass it on to future generations of players.