Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural

National Historic Site

 

EXHIBITS /ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site has an exhibit area outlining the events that took place here in 1901. The exhibit consists of nine panels, each detailing a day (or a few days) in the story of the inauguration.

May 20, 1901: - Vice president Theodore Roosevelt opened the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The Exposition was similar to a world's fair. This particular Exposition celebrated the unity and harmony among the nations of north, south and central America following the Spanish-American War in 1898 (ironically the Exposition had been delayed because of the war). This was also a great opportunity as a showcase for new technology. Buffalo, located only 20 miles from Niagara Falls, was one of the first cities in North America to have electricity (generated by the Falls). By 1901, Buffalo had electric street lights and trolley cars, and even had electricity in some of its public and office buildings. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was asked to open the Exposition at the last minute. President William McKinley and his wife Ida were originally scheduled to be at the opening ceremonies, but Mrs. McKinley became ill shortly beforehand and Roosevelt was asked to go instead. The exhibit contains newspapers, photographs and souvenirs from the Exposition.

September 5, 1901: The McKinleys rescheduled their visit for September. They arrived on September 5th and the President spoke to a large crowd about the need for mutual cooperation among the countries of the Western hemisphere. Exhibit contains newspapers, photographs and an original "President's Day" program.

September 6, 1901: President McKinley visited Niagara Falls and Lewiston, New York. He rode the gorge railway and had a splendid day. He returned to the Exposition for an afternoon reception at the Temple of Music. It was a hot, late summer day and the building was very warm. Many people had handkerchiefs to wipe the sweat from their brows. A long line of people had formed waiting to shake McKinley's hand. No one paid any attention to the fact that Leon Czolgosz had a handkerchief wrapped around his right hand. The President extended his left hand to the young man and then Czolgosz shot him twice with a gun hidden in the handkerchief. The President was hit in the upper abdominal area. Immediately after the shooting, the men standing nearby wrestled Czolgosz to the ground. He was taken into custody while McKinley was moved to another building to await the electric powered ambulance. Upon seeing Czolgosz being beaten, McKinley told the men to "go easy on him." McKinley was taken to the Exposition Hospital where surgery was performed and was later moved to the home of John Milburn, President of the Pan American Exposition. Theodore Roosevelt was in Vermont when the shooting occurred and was notified. The exhibit contains photographs and a copy of Czolgosz's confession.

September 7, 1901: Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo by train on Saturday afternoon, September 7th. He was on his way to the Iroquois Hotel when he was met by Ansley Wilcox and invited to stay at his home for the duration of his visit. While at the Wilcox home, Roosevelt met with the President's Cabinet, various Senators and Congressmen and also the press. He wanted to reassure the nation of McKinley's promised recovery. He visited President McKinley and dined at several other residences. The exhibit contains several photographs.

September 8 - 10, 1901: As McKinley's condition continued to improve, Roosevelt felt it was safe to leave Buffalo. On Tuesday night he took an all night train to the Adirondacks where his family was already on vacation. He left detailed instructions with Ansley Wilcox on the chance that he would be asked to return to Buffalo. The exhibit contains newspapers and photographs.

September 11 - 13, 1901: On Thursday evening, September 12th, Roosevelt and a group of family and friends hiked up Mt. Marcy and spent the night there. Back in Buffalo, McKinley's condition had changed for the worst and he was rapidly deteriorating. Upon his return from the hike on Friday afternoon, Roosevelt was met by a messenger who carried the news that McKinley was dying and Roosevelt should return to Buffalo as soon as possible. The Vice President left his cabin in the late evening of Friday, September 13th for the thirty-five mile carriage ride to the nearest train station at North Creek. He arrived there just before dawn and was told of the President's death. He took a train to Albany and another one to Buffalo, arriving here at about 1:30 pm. McKinley had died at 2:15 am that morning, September 14, 1901. The exhibit contains newspapers, photographs, a walking stick belonging to Theodore Roosevelt and copy of the message that Roosevelt sent to his wife about President McKinley's death.

September 14, 1901 (McKinley's death): President William McKinley succumbed to his injuries at the John Milburn home on September 14, 1901. His death was attributed to "gangrene of both walls of the stomach and pancreas." The exhibit contains newspapers, photographs, a copy of McKinley's death certificate and a snippet from two telegraph wires that carried the news of McKinley's death to the local newspapers.

September 14, 1901 (Roosevelt's inauguration): Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo at 1:30 pm. He was met at the train station by Ansley Wilcox and brought back to this home. After lunch and a visit to the Milburn home to pay his respects to Mrs. McKinley, Roosevelt returned to the Wilcox house for the inauguration. This site was chosen by Roosevelt as the most appropriate place for the ceremony. It took place in the Wilcox library at approximately 3:30 pm. A small crowd was assembled including a few newspaper reporters who were allowed to take notes. The photographers were barred from the room until after the ceremony. Roosevelt wore formal clothing borrowed from some of the guests who were present. The oath was administered by Federal District Judge John R. Hazel. Immediately following the swearing-in, Roosevelt held a brief cabinet meeting in the library and then proceeded to the morning room to issue his first presidential proclamation. The exhibit contains newspapers, a copy of the oath Roosevelt signed, a copy of the desk blotter he used and the coat he wore for the inauguration.

1901 - 1909: Roosevelt left Buffalo with the McKinley funeral procession on Monday, September 16th. He returned to Washington a few days later and began his administration. This exhibit contains photographs highlighting Roosevelt's presidency. Included are the Panama Canal, the Great White Fleet, the Russo-Japanese War, the Square Deal, conservation, and trustbusting.