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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site T.R. and his Rough Riders at the top of San Juan Hill, Cuba- 1898
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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
History & Culture
 
Parlor-Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace NHS
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace NHS is located at 28 East 20th Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South.

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, lived at this site from his birth on October 27, 1858 until he was 14 years old. The reconstructed house contains five period rooms, two museum galleries and a bookstore.

Teedie, as young Roosevelt was nicknamed, was a sickly but bright boy, from a wealthy family. To improve his health, Teedie began an exercise program at the house's outdoor gymnasium that started a lifelong passion for the "strenuous life."

After graduating from Harvard, Roosevelt pursued his boyhood dreams, as a rancher, naturalist, explorer, author and Colonel of the Rough Riders. His political service included reforming the U.S. Civil Service Commission and New York City Police Department, and terms as Governor of New York and Vice President of the U.S.

Theodore Roosevelt became president when William McKinley was assassinated in September 1901. As President, Roosevelt pushed progressive reforms, such as conservation of public lands and trust busting, and negotiated an end to the war between Russia and Japan, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Roosevelt's original birthplace was demolished in 1916. After Roosevelt's death in 1919, the site was purchased by the Women's Roosevelt Memorial Association, rebuilt and decorated with many of its original furnishings by Roosevelt's sisters and wife.

 
 

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eleanor roosevelt

Did You Know?
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.

Last Updated: September 17, 2010 at 12:36 MST