Theodore Roosevelt Is Born

Setting the scene

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was born into a wealthy New York City family on October 27, 1858, sickly as a child with asthma. His father built a gymnasium at home and encouraged 'the strenuous life' of exercise and outdoor adventure.

What happened

Young Roosevelt studied at Harvard, wrote naval history, ranched in the Dakota Territory, and served as New York police commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy, and Rough Rider colonel before entering politics. His mother and first wife died on the same day in 1884, deepening his drive.

Why it still matters

As president he expanded national parks, broke up trusts, and brokered the 1905 Portsmouth Peace ending the Russo-Japanese War. Memorable detail: Roosevelt was shot in the chest during a 1912 campaign speech in Milwaukee but finished the 90-minute address before going to the hospital, citing his thick speech manuscript and eyeglass case as padding.

Background

He later championed national parks and the Panama Canal.