Theodore Roosevelt
This site is a serious study of the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt. It represents 28 years of research, lectures, teaching and conducting tours at Sagamore Hill for the National Park Service.
David McCoullough was found of saying, “We’re often taught history is a series of events where this followed that and that followed this almost as if the progression was predictable. It was not that way and never was that way.” You often hear that years ago it was a “simpler life” It was not.
It was different, but not simpler. The notion that only we in today’s world have to deal with complicated issues is simply not true.
The truth is life during Roosevelt’s time was tougher, more uncertain and more challenging. Those who lived in the 19th century would see us as “softies" living on easy street. We have open heart surgery, knee replacements, hip replacements, Tommy John surgery. TR had to worry about dying from stepping on a nail, or getting an infected blister. Come down with appendicitis and you’re dead. TR’s first wife Alice died of Bright’s disease. Today Bright's disease is treatable. In 1885 it took 5 to 7 days to go from New York to California. Today it takes 6 hours.
We hope to see you on your next visit to Sagamore Hill National. We'll keep the light on for you.
