Theodore Roosevelt's Milestones

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th U.S. president, known for expanding national parks, trust-busting monopolies, and leading the country with vigor and progressive reforms from 1901 to 1909.
1858

Birth

Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Martha Bulloch Roosevelt.

Family October 27, 1858

Childhood health struggles

Suffered from severe asthma and poor health as a child, inspiring his lifelong commitment to physical fitness.

Other October 27, 1858 - January 1, 1870
1865

Natural history interests

Developed a fascination with zoology, taxidermy, and natural history, founding the 'Roosevelt Museum of Natural History' as a boy.

Other January 1, 1865 - September 1, 1876
1869

Family travels to Europe and Egypt

Traveled with family to Europe and Egypt, shaping his cosmopolitan outlook.

Other January 1, 1869 - December 31, 1872
1876

Attended Harvard College

Studied at Harvard College, graduating magna cum laude.

Education September 1, 1876 - June 1, 1880
1878

Death of father

Theodore Roosevelt Sr. died, deeply affecting young Theodore during his Harvard years.

Family February 9, 1878
1880

Attended Columbia Law School

Briefly attended Columbia Law School but left to pursue a career in politics.

Education September 1, 1880 - October 1, 1881

Married Alice Hathaway Lee

Married Alice Hathaway Lee, who died shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Alice.

Relationship October 27, 1880 - February 14, 1884
1882

Elected to New York State Assembly

Elected to the New York State Assembly, where he became known for anti-corruption efforts.

Career November 7, 1882 - December 31, 1884
1884

Death of mother and first wife

Both his mother and wife died on the same day, leading to a period of deep grief.

Family February 14, 1884

Moved to Dakota Territory as rancher

Moved to the Dakota Territory to ranch and recover from personal loss, writing about frontier life.

Career June 1, 1884 - September 1, 1887
1886

Returned to politics

Ran for Mayor of New York City and began to re-enter public life, later serving as U.S. Civil Service Commissioner and New York City Police Commissioner.

Career November 1, 1886

Married Edith Kermit Carow

Married Edith Kermit Carow, with whom he had five children.

Relationship December 2, 1886
1897

Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy, advocating for naval expansion and preparing for the Spanish-American War.

Career April 19, 1897 - May 10, 1898
1898

Rough Riders and Spanish-American War

Resigned to form and lead the Rough Riders in Cuba, becoming a national hero after the charge up San Juan Hill.

Achievement June 22, 1898 - August 14, 1898

Elected Governor of New York

Elected Governor of New York, implementing progressive reforms and building a reputation as a reformer.

Career November 8, 1898 - December 31, 1900
1901

Vice President of the U.S.

Served as Vice President under President McKinley.

Career March 4, 1901 - September 14, 1901

Became President after McKinley's assassination

Became the 26th President of the United States, championing the Square Deal, trust-busting, conservation, and progressive reforms.

Achievement September 14, 1901 - March 4, 1909

First White House dinner with Booker T. Washington

Invited Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House, sparking national controversy.

Other October 16, 1901
1902

Antitrust and regulatory reforms

Led aggressive antitrust actions, established the Department of Commerce and Labor, and passed the Pure Food and Drug Act.

Achievement January 1, 1902 - December 31, 1908

Expanded national parks and forests

Greatly expanded the national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, laying the foundation for modern conservation.

Achievement March 1, 1902 - March 4, 1909
1904

Elected President in his own right

Elected to a full term as President, continuing progressive policies and reforms.

Achievement November 8, 1904 - March 4, 1909
1905

Mediated end of Russo-Japanese War (Nobel Prize)

Mediated the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Achievement September 5, 1905 - December 10, 1906
1909

Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition

Led a major scientific expedition to Africa, collecting specimens for the Smithsonian and American Museum of Natural History.

Achievement March 23, 1909 - June 18, 1910
1912

Ran for President as Progressive (Bull Moose) candidate

Ran for President as the Progressive Party (Bull Moose) candidate, splitting the Republican vote and losing to Woodrow Wilson.

Career June 22, 1912 - November 5, 1912
1913

South American expedition

Explored the River of Doubt in the Amazon rainforest, facing severe illness and hardship.

Achievement December 9, 1913 - May 19, 1914
1918

Death of son Quentin in WWI

His youngest son, Quentin, was killed in aerial combat during World War I, deeply affecting Roosevelt.

Family July 14, 1918
1919

Death

Theodore Roosevelt died at Sagamore Hill, New York, at age 60, of a pulmonary embolism.

Other January 6, 1919