Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural
National Historic Site
Herb and Flower Garden
at the Theodore Roosevelt
Inaugural National Historic Site
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site has several
period gardens surrounding the home. In the front of the house elephant ears
frame the front porch as they did in 1901. The driveway is lined with perennials
and lilac trees and also has an unusual Golden Chain tree. The back corner of
the property is devoted to a fan shaped herb garden complete with sundial. On
the opposite side of the house is the "Horseshoe Garden." This small
area is all that is left of the Wilcoxes rather extensive original gardens.
A 160 year old ginko tree is located in the horseshoe. The tree dates from when
the house was originally built in the 1840 as part of the Barracks.
The gardens are in bloom from May through October and are maintained by a volunteer
committee that tends to them weekly. The garden area is open to the public and
does not require admission to the Site. Benches are scattered throughout the
gardens for those who wish to stay a little longer and enjoy the quiet setting.