Collections

Theodore Roosevelt's Winchester repeating rifle

NPS

 

"It was still the Wild West in those days," Theodore Roosevelt wrote nostalgically about the 1880s in western Dakota Territory. "In that land we led a free and hardy life, with horse and with rifle." 

Roosevelt wrote passionately about life in the badlands, of hunting trips, cattle drives, and the fierce climate. His time here was transformational; he came in 1883 a gaunt asthmatic, and by 1886 was tough, muscular, and confident in his philosophy of the "strenuous life" being good for a man's health and psyche.

In a land of "perfect freedom," there was hard work to be done. Roosevelt hunted mainly for subsistence while here, preferring the rifle over the shotgun. He participated in cattle drives, rounding up the free-ranging cattle of his Maltese Cross (or Chimney Butte) Ranch and Elkhorn Ranch alongside hardened cowboys. Some of his equipment used during that time is on display at the South Unit Visitor Center in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

 

NPS

Theodore Roosevelt's hunting knife

Imagine Roosevelt sizing up a deer through the sight of his triple-barreled gun, rocking in a chair while sharpening his knife, or brushing the dust off his riding clothes after a long day in the saddle. These are the personal possessions that enabled Roosevelt to seek the type of adventure he desired in this rough country. In turn, the experience exerted a major influence on his life, philosophy, and politics, influencing the conservation policies he sought as President.

These and many other interesting items are on display at the South Unit Visitor Center, which is open year-round. Just outside the South Unit Visitor Center is Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, the first of his two homes in the Dakota Territory. The cabin, which is partly furnished with several of Roosevelt's personal possessions, is open for viewing year-round.

 

This scope was a gift to Theodore Roosevelt from his father.  He later gave it to Bill Sewall, one of his employees at the Elkhorn Ranch.

NPS