• Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace N.H.S.

    Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

    National Historic Site New York

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  • The Upper Gallery is currently closed for renovations.

    These renovations will improve preservation of artifacts and enhance the visitor experience. The Lower Gallery has been reopened, its exhibits are methodically being returned. Period room tours are offered at the regularly scheduled times.

Untitled Cartoon by Bristol

Untitled Cartoon by Bristol

NPS

This political cartoon from Judge Magazine, drawn by Bristol, illustrates the reluctant partnership formed between Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Platt to maintain Republican power over New York State politics in 1898.

Platt was a US Senator but most importantly the Republican Party "boss" of the State of New York. He needed a popular Republican to maintain a hold on New York politics. Teddy Roosevelt fit the bill as he was popular for his Rough Rider experiences in the Spanish-American War. Although wary of Theodore Roosevelt's reputation as a reformer, Platt decided that Roosevelt as a Republican in the New York Governor's seat was still better than a Democrat.

Roosevelt was most likely just as concerned with Platt's reputation of power mongering and 'business as usual' politics. Appropriately, the artist drew the two men shaking hands, underneath the glow of the NY State Convention, with swords behind their backs, as they stand over the Governor's chair.

Did You Know?

eleanor roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was the daughter of Theodore's younger brother Elliott, making T.R. her uncle. Franklin D. Roosevelt was related to Theodore and Elliott by a common male ancestor (Nicholas) who was born five generations and 300 years earlier.