News Release

Theodore Roosevelt Island: This month’s National Park Getaway

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 1, 2016

Contact: Aaron LaRocca, 703-289-2500

WASHINGTON – Believe it or not, the District of Columbia's largest presidential memorial is not located on the National Mall. It's in the Potomac River. In the river, you say? Can't be. Indeed it is! Theodore Roosevelt Island is a living memorial dedicated to the 26th president. The 88-acre island includes a memorial plaza, statue, and fountains, surrounded by trails in the woods and marsh environs.

You may ask yourself why an entire island in the Potomac River would be dedicated to this president. Theodore Roosevelt was not only president of the United States;he was also a hunter, taxidermist, soldier, ornithologist, author, family man, and influential in the conservation movement of the early 20th century. He was the consummate outdoorsman who didn't just walk the walk and talk the talk—he made a difference. Read more

The National Park Getaway series helps people find new places to connect with nature, history, family, and friends. This month's Getaway featuring Theodore Roosevelt Island is the 261st installment in the series. Check out previous Getaways at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/getaways.htm.

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 412 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at https://www.nps.gov, on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.