Last updated: June 5, 2021
Thing to Do
Appreciate Sagamore Hill's Architecture
NPS/Laurel Brierly
Sagamore Hill is a striking home on Long Island's Gold Coast, but it certainly doesn't fit in with the other mansions in the area.
In 1884, Theodore Roosevelt went to Lamb & Rich, a New York Architectural Firm, to design a shingle-style Queen Anne home on his newly purchased Oyster Bay hilltop. TR's family had often come to Oyster Bay to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan when he was growing up, and several members of his extended family had made their homes in the Long Island town. Originally intended to house a family he envisioned having with his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, he had dubbed the estate Leeholm in her honor. But she unfortunately died of Bright's Disease just two days after their daughter Alice was born in 1884.
Two years later, after his remarriage to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, they took up residence in the Oyster Bay home, now calling it Sagamore Hill.
It was never meant to be particularly grand; it was a home designed for a growing family. And it was certainly never intended to be the home of a President of the United States or the Summer White House! When it became a center of diplomacy, the Roosevelts added the North Room, which is a porch-less extension to the north of the piazza, and can be easily identified from the outside by the large, golden, Presidential eagle that adorns its outer wall.
We encourage you to take your time exploring the grounds of Sagamore Hill and see what special things you can notice about the home from the outside.
Can you guess which balcony Mrs. Roosevelt used to retreat to?
Which window do you think Quentin and his older siblings would use to escape from boring dinner guests and go play?
Can you find the elk antlers affixed to the roof?
Imagine President Roosevelt sitting on his porch while reading a book and quietly watching the sunset.
In 1884, Theodore Roosevelt went to Lamb & Rich, a New York Architectural Firm, to design a shingle-style Queen Anne home on his newly purchased Oyster Bay hilltop. TR's family had often come to Oyster Bay to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan when he was growing up, and several members of his extended family had made their homes in the Long Island town. Originally intended to house a family he envisioned having with his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, he had dubbed the estate Leeholm in her honor. But she unfortunately died of Bright's Disease just two days after their daughter Alice was born in 1884.
Two years later, after his remarriage to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, they took up residence in the Oyster Bay home, now calling it Sagamore Hill.
It was never meant to be particularly grand; it was a home designed for a growing family. And it was certainly never intended to be the home of a President of the United States or the Summer White House! When it became a center of diplomacy, the Roosevelts added the North Room, which is a porch-less extension to the north of the piazza, and can be easily identified from the outside by the large, golden, Presidential eagle that adorns its outer wall.
We encourage you to take your time exploring the grounds of Sagamore Hill and see what special things you can notice about the home from the outside.
Can you guess which balcony Mrs. Roosevelt used to retreat to?
Which window do you think Quentin and his older siblings would use to escape from boring dinner guests and go play?
Can you find the elk antlers affixed to the roof?
Imagine President Roosevelt sitting on his porch while reading a book and quietly watching the sunset.
Details
Duration
15-60 Minutes
Activity
Arts and Culture
Pets Allowed
Yes
You're welcome to bring your dogs to walk the paths with you at Sagamore Hill, but please remember to keep them on a 6-foot leash throughout your visit.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Sagamore Hill is closed from 30 minutes after sunset until sunrise.
Accessibility Information
The paths around Theodore Roosevelt's Home at Sagamore Hill are paved and accessible.