National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site1901 illustration of Theodore Roosevelt as he takes the oath of office in the library of the Ansley Wilcox home.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Ansley Wilcox's first-person account of Theodore Roosevelt's 1901 inauguration
 

One of the best first-hand accounts of the inauguration was written by Ansley Wilcox, a friend of Roosevelt, and occupant of the home where the inauguration took place. As such, Wilcox was uniquely positioned to witness events surrounding Roosevelt's actions in Buffalo, including the inauguration itself. 

Wilcox wrote his account in November of 1902 to benefit the Buffalo School Teachers Retirement Fund. In a 1905 letter to Andrew Langdon (then president of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society), Wilcox related that a draft of the document had been reviewed and approved by Roosevelt for accuracy. Wilcox declared "The paper, therefore, forms an accurate and authoritative record" of the events surrounding Roosevelt's 1901 inauguration.

For Wilcox's account of the inauguration, click here.

Theodore Roosevelt c. 1900.
History
Find out why Theodore Roosevelt became president in Buffalo in 1901.
more...
The Wilcox family dining room.
Special Events
Click here to learn more about the Site's many special events.
more...
Niagara Falls  

Did You Know?
While serving in the New York State Assembly, Theodore Roosevelt served on the Niagara Falls Association, supporting legislation to create the Niagara Reservation in Niagara Falls, NY in 1885.
more...

Last Updated: June 25, 2008 at 15:53 EST