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Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic SiteTheodore Roosevelt, one of the architects of what would become the National Park Service
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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.

Horse-drawn carriage called a victoria  

Did You Know?
For Christmas in 1903, the I.O. St. Luke gave Maggie Walker a Victoria (a type of horse-drawn carriage), a matched pair of black horses, and coachman’s livery.

Last Updated: June 15, 2007 at 10:39 EST