Theodore "Teddy "Roosevelt 

October 27, 1858-January 6, 1919

With the assassination of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, not quite 43, became the youngest President in the Nation's history. He brought new excitement and power to the Presidency, as he vigorously led Congress and the American public toward progressive reforms and a strong foreign policy.

He took the view that the President as a "steward of the people" should take whatever action necessary for the public good unless expressly forbidden by law or the Constitution." I did not usurp power," he wrote, "but I did greatly broaden the use of executive power."

Roosevelt's youth differed sharply from that of the log cabin Presidents. He was born in New York City in 1858 into a wealthy family, but he too struggled--against ill health--and in his triumph became an advocate of the strenuous life.

In 1884 his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, and his mother died on the same day. Roosevelt spent much of the next two years on his ranch in the Badlands of Dakota Territory. There he mastered his sorrow as he lived in the saddle, driving cattle, hunting big game--he even captured an outlaw. On a visit to London, he married Edith Carow in December 1886.

During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider Regiment, which he led on a charge at the battle of San Juan. He was one of the most conspicuous heroes of the war.

Boss Tom Platt, needing a hero to draw attention away from scandals in New York State, accepted Roosevelt as the Republican candidate for Governor in 1898. Roosevelt won and served with distinction.

As President, Roosevelt held the ideal that the Government should be the great arbiter of the conflicting economic forces in the Nation, especially between capital and labor, guaranteeing justice to each and dispensing favors to none.

Roosevelt emerged spectacularly as a "trust buster" by forcing the dissolution of a great railroad combination in the Northwest. Other antitrust suits under the Sherman Act followed.

Roosevelt steered the United States more actively into world politics. He liked to quote a favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick. . . . "

Aware of the strategic need for a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific, Roosevelt ensured the construction of the Panama Canal. His corollary to the Monroe Doctrine prevented the establishment of foreign bases in the Caribbean and arrogated the sole right of intervention in Latin America to the United States.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, reached a Gentleman's Agreement on immigration with Japan, and sent the Great White Fleet on a goodwill tour of the world.

Some of Theodore Roosevelt's most effective achievements were in conservation. He added enormously to the national forests in the West, reserved lands for public use, and fostered great irrigation projects.

He crusaded endlessly on matters big and small, exciting audiences with his high-pitched voice, jutting jaw, and pounding fist. "The life of strenuous endeavor" was a must for those around him, as he romped with his five younger children and led ambassadors on hikes through Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.

Leaving the Presidency in 1909, Roosevelt went on an African safari, then jumped back into politics. In 1912 he ran for President on a Progressive ticket. To reporters he once remarked that he felt as fit as a bull moose, the name of his new party.

While campaigning in Milwaukee, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic. Roosevelt soon recovered, but his words at that time would have been applicable at the time of his death in 1919: "No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way."

Mount Rushmore

"Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike" -Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, the noted conservation president, had an impact on the national park system extending well beyond his term in office. As chief executive from 1901 to 1909, he signed legislation establishing five national parks: Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota (later redesignated a game preserve); Mesa Verde, Colorado; and Platt, Oklahoma (now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area). Another Roosevelt enactment had a broader effect, however: the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906. While not creating a single park itself, the Antiquities Act enabled Roosevelt and his successors to proclaim ãhistoric landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interestä in federal ownership as national monuments.

Roosevelt did not hesitate to take advantage of this new executive authority. By the end of 1906 he had proclaimed four national monuments: Devils Tower, Wyoming, on September 24 and El Morro, New Mexico, Montezuma Castle, Arizona, and Petrified Forest, Arizona, together on December 8. He was also prepared to interpret the authority expansively, protecting a large portion of the Grand Canyon as a national monument in 1908. By the end of his term he had reserved six predominantly cultural areas and twelve predominantly natural areas in this manner. Half the total were initially administered by the Agriculture Department and were later transferred to Interior Department jurisdiction.

Later presidents also used the Antiquities Act to proclaim national monuments÷105 in all. Forty-nine of them retain this designation today; others have been retitled national parks or otherwise reclassified by Congress. The Antiquities Act is the original authority for about a quarter of the 378 areas composing the national park system in 1999.

Recalling this legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, it seems appropriate that he is now commemorated by five park system areas÷as many as honor Abraham Lincoln and more than for any other president. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in New York City, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, New York, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, DC, trace his career and memorialize his contributions to America. The National Park Service, administrator of these parklands and the many others Roosevelt made possible, has particular cause to honor his memory.

Federal Bird Reservations created by Theodore Roosevelt 

1. Pelican Island (Florida) March 14, 1903 . . . .Enlarged January 26, 1909 

2. Breton Island (Louisiana) October 4, 1904 

3. Stump Lake (N. Dakota) March 9, 1905 

4. Siskiwit Islands (Michigan) October 10, 1905 

5. Huron Islands (Michigan) October 10, 1905 

6. Passage Key (Florida) October 10, 1905 

7. Indian Key (Florida) February 10, 1906 

8. Tern Islands (Louisiana) August 8, 1907 

9. Shell Keys (Louisiana) August 17, 1907 

10. Three Arch Rocks (Oregon) October 14, 1907

 11. Flattery Rocks (Washington) Oct. 23, 1907 

12. Copalis Rock (Washington) October 23, 1907 

13. Quillayute Needles (Washington) October 23, 1907 

14. East Timbalier Island (Louisiana) December 7, 1907

 15. Mosquito Inlet (Florida) February 24, 1908 

16. Tortugas Keys (Florida) April 6, 1908 

17. Key West (Florida) August 8, 1908 

18. Klamath Lake (Oregon and California)  August 8, 1908 

19. Lake Malheur (Oregon) August 18, 1908 

20. Chase Lake (North Dakota) August 28, 1908 

21. Pine Island (Florida) Sept. 15, 1908 

22. Matlacha Pass (Florida) Sept. 26, 1908

 23. Palma Sola (Florida) Sept. 26, 1908 

24. Island Bay (Florida) October 23, 1908 

25. Loch-Katrine (Wyoming) October 26, 1908 

26. Hawaiian Islands February 3, 1909 

27. Salt River (Arizona) February 25, 1909 

28. East Park (California) February 25, 1909

 29. Deer Flat (Idaho) February 25, 1909

 30. Willow Creek (Montana) February 25, 1909 

31. Carlsbad (New Mexico) February 25, 1909 

32. Rio Grande (New Mexico) February 25, 1909

 33. Cold Springs (Oregon) February 25, 1909 

34. Belle Fourche (South Dakota) Feb. 25, 1909 

35. Strawberry Valley (Utah) February 25, 1909 

36. Keechelus (Washington) February 25, 1909

 37. Kachess (Washington) February 25, 1909 

38. Clealum (Washington) February 25, 1909 

39. Bumping Lake (Washington) Feb. 25, 1909 

40. Conconuily (Washington) February 25, 1909 

41. Pathfinder (Wyoming) February 25, 1909 

42. Shoshone (Wyoming) February 25, 1909 

43. Minidoka (Idaho) February 25, 1909 

44. Tuxedni (Alaska) February 27, 1909

 45. Saint Lazaria (Alaska) February 27, 1909 

46. Yukon Delta (Alaska) February 27, 1909

 47. Culebra (Puerto Rico) February 27, 1909

 48. Farallon (California) February 27, 1909 

49. Behring (Bering) Sea (Alaska) Feb 27, 1909 

50. Pribilof (Alaska) February 27, 1909 

51. Bogoslof (Alaska) March 2, 1909

National Forests created by Theodore Roosevelt 

1. Luquillo (Puerto Rico) January 17, 1903

 2. White River (Colorado) May 21, 1904 

3. Sevier (Utah) January 17, 1906 

4. Wichita (Oklahoma) May 29, 1906 

5. Lolo (Montana) November 6, 1906 

6. Caribou (Idaho and Wyoming) January 15, 1907 

7. Colville (Washington) March 1, 1907 

8. Las Animas (Colorado and New Mexico)  March 1, 1907 

9. Wenaha (Oregon and Washington) March 1, 1907

 10. Olympic (Washington) March 2, 1907 

11. Manti (Utah) April 25, 1907 

12. Manzano (New Mexico) April 16, 1908 

13. Kansas (Kansas) May 15, 1908 

14. Minnesota (Minnesota) May 23, 1908 

15. Pocatello (Idaho and Utah) July 1, 1908 

16. Cache (Idaho and Utah) July 1, 1908 

17. Whitman (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

18. Malheur (Oregon) July 1, 1908

 19. Umatilla (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

20. Columbia (Washington) July 1, 1908 

21. Rainier (Washington) July 1, 1908

 22. Washington (Washington) July 1, 1908 

23. Chelan (Washington) July 1, 1908 

24. Snoqualmie (Washington) July 1, 1908

 25. Wenatchee (Washington) July 1, 1908 

26. Fillmore (Utah) July I ,1908 

27. Nebo (Utah) July 1, 1908 

28. Lewis and Clark (Montana) July I ,1908 

29. Blackfeet (Montana) July 1, 1908 

30. Flathead (Montana) July 1, 1908 

31. Kootenai (Montana) July 1, 1908 

32. Routt (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

33. Cabinet (Montana) July I ,1908 

34. Hayden (Colorado and Wyoming) July 1,1908 

35. Challis (Idaho) July I ,1908 

36. Salmon (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

37. Clearwater (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

38. Coeur d'Alene (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

39. Pend d'Orielle (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

40. Kaniksu (Idaho and Washington) July 1, 1908 

41. Angeles (California) July 1,1908 

42. San Luis (California) July 1, 1908

 43. Jemez (New Mexico) July 1, 1908

 44. Sundance (Wyoming) July 1, 1908

 45. Santa Barbara (California) July I ,1908 

46. Weiser (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

47. Nez Perce (Idaho) July 1, 1908

 48. Idaho (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

49. Payette (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

50. Boise (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

51. Sawtooth (Idaho) July 1, 1908 

52. Lemhi (Idaho) July 1, 1908

 53. Siuslaw (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

54. Cheyenne (Wyoming) July 1, 1908 

55. Medicine Bow (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

56. Cascade (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

57. Oregon (Oregon) July 1,1908 

58. Umpqua (Oregon) July 1,1908 

59. Siskiyou (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

60. Crater (California and Oregon) July 1, 1908 

61. Beartooth (Montana) July 1, 1908 

62. Holy Cross (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

63. Targhee (Idaho and Wyoming) July 1, 1908

 64. Teton (Wyoming) July 1, 1908 

65. Wyoming (Wyoming) July 1, 1908

 66. Bonneville (Wyoming) July I ,1908 

67. Absaroka (Montana) July 1, 1908 

68. Beaverhead (Montana) July 1,1908 

69. Madison (Montana) July 1, 1908 

70. Gallatin (Montana) July 1, 1908 

71. Deerlodge (Montana) July 1, 1908 

72. Helena (Montana) July 1, 1908 

73. Missoula (Montana) July 1, 1908 

74. Bitterroot (Idaho and Montana) July 1, 1908 

75. Ashley (Utah and Wyoming) July 1, 1908 

76. Uncompahgre (Colorado) July 1, 1908

 77. San Juan (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

78. Rio Grande (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

79. Pike (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

80. Montezuma (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

81. Leadville (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

82. Gunnison (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

83. Cochetopa (Colorado) July 1, 1908

 84. Arapaho (Colorado) July 1, 1908

 85. Battlement (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

86. Shoshone (Wyoming) July 1, 1908 

87. Uinta (Utah) July 1, 1908 

88. Crook (Arizona) July 1, 1908 

89. Coconino (Arizona) July 1, 1908 

90. Inyo (California) July 1, 1908 

91. Stanislaus (California) July 1, 1908 

92. Sierra (California) July 1, 1908 

93. Chiricahua (Arizona and New Mexico)  July 1, 1908 

94. Coronado (Arizona) July 1, 1908 

95. Garces (Arizona) July 1, 1908 

96. Monterey (California) July 1, 1908

 97. San Isabel (Colorado) July 1, 1908 

98. Minidoka (Idaho and Utah) July 1, 1908 

99. Jefferson (Montana) July 1, 1908

 100. Custer (Montana) July 1,1908 

101. Nebraska (Nebraska) July 1, 1908 

102. Wallowa (Oregon) July 1, 1908 

103. Fishlake (Utah) July 1, 1908 

104. La Salle (Utah) July 1, 1908 

105. Wasatch (Utah) July 1, 1908

 106. Powell (Utah) July 1, 1908 

107. Bighorn (Wyoming) July 1, 1908

 108. Kaibab (Arizona) July 1,1908 

109. Deschutes (Oregon) July 14, 1908 

110. Fremont (Oregon) July 14, 1908 

111. Ocala (Florida) Nov. 24, 1908 

112. Dakota (North Dakota) Nov. 24, 1908 

113. Choctawhatchee (Florida) Nov. 27, 1908 

114. Humboldt (Nevada) January 20, 1909 

115. Moapa (Nevada) January 21, 1909 

116. Cleveland (California) January 26, 1909 

117. Pecos (New Mexico) January 28, 1909 

118. Prescott (Arizona) February 1, 1909

 119. Calaveras Bigtree (California) February 8, 1909

 120. Tonto (Arizona) February 10, 1909 

121. Marquette (Michigan) February 10, 1909 

122. Nevada (Nevada) February 10, 1909 

123. Dixie (Arizona and Utah) February 10, 1909 

124. Michigan (Michigan) February 11, 1909 

125. Klamath (California and Oregon) February 13, 1909 

126. Superior (Minnesota) February 13, 1909 

127. Gila (New Mexico) February 15, 1909 

128. Black Hills (S. Dakota and Wyoming)  February 15, 1909 

129.Sioux (Montana and South Dakota) February 15, 1909 

130. Tongass (Alaska) February 16, 1909 

131. Toiyabe (Nevada) February 20, 1909 

132. Datil (New Mexico) February 23, 1909

 133. Chugach (Alaska) February 23, 1909 

134. Modoc (California) February 25, 1909

 135. Ozark (Arkansas) February 25, 1909 

136. California (California) February 25, 1909 

137. Arkansas (Arkansas) February 27, 1909 

138. Mono March 2, 1909 (California and Nevada)

 139. Sitgreaves (Arizona) March 2, 1909

 140. Lincoln (New Mexico) March 2, 1909 

141. Shasta (California) March 2, 1909

 142. Alamo (New Mexico) March 2, 1909

 143. Carson (New Mexico) March 2, 1909

 144. Zuni (Arizona and New Mexico) March 2, 190

9 145. Trinity (California) March 2, 1909 

146. Apache (Arizona) March 2, 1909

 147. Lassen (California) March 2, 1909 

148. Plumas (California) March 2, 1909 

149. Tahoe (California) March 2, 1909 

150. Sequoia (California) March 2, 1909

National Monuments created by Theodore Roosevelt

1. Devils Tower, Wyoming, September 24, 1906.

 2. El Morro, New Mexico, December 8, 1906.

 3. Montezuma Castle, Arizona December 8, 1906. 

4. Petrified Forest, Arizona, December 8, 1906.

5. Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, March 11, 1907. 

6. Lassen Peak, California, May 6, 1907. 

 7. Cinder Cone, California, May 6, 1907.

 8. Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico November 16, 1907. 

9. Tonto, Arizona, December 19, 1907.

 10. Muir Woods, California, January 9, 1908. 1

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, January 11, 1908

 12. Pinnacles, California, January 16, 1908. 

13. Jewel Cave, South Dakota, February 7, 1908. 

14. Natural Bridges, Utah, April 16, 1908. 

15. Lewis & Clark, Montana, May 11, 1908 . . . . (later given to the State of Montana).

 16. Tumacacori, Arizona, September 15, 1908. 

17. Wheeler, Colorado, December 7, 1908 . . . . (given to the Forest Service in 1950).

 18. Mount Olympus, Washington, March 2, 1909.

Credit: The Whitehouse, The National Park Service, Theodore Roosevelt Association