Tours of the Theodore Roosevelt home in New York City

Theodore Roosevelt ascended to the presidency in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt went on to serve two very influential terms and captured the country's attention during its blossoming media age.

Roosevelt was well known for his support and development of America's natural parks and resources. His administration set aside millions of acres of land for preservation purposes and he helped establish the country as a major player on the world stage. Roosevelt is commemorated as one of the four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, adding to the legacy of an American icon.

Roosevelt was born in new York City and kept close ties with the area his entire life. He maintained a home and estate on the north side of Long Island, just outside the small town of Oyster Bay. the complex, known as Sagamore Hill, welcomes over ten thousand visitors every year.

Located about 45 minutes outside of Manhattan, Sagamore Hill reflects Roosevelt's passion for nature. Dubbed the Summer White House during his time as president, the beautifully restored home sits on 83 acres of land in its natural state. Today, visitors are encouraged to hike, picnic, and enjoy the invigorating bay breeze and natural splendor.

Tours of the Roosevelt home are offered for $5, and tickets can be purchased at the adjacent visitors center. Nearby is the Roosevelt Museum, with exhibits from his administration and a short film about his impact on national history. On 20th Street in lower Manhattan, you will find the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt, a Victorian mansion that is open for tours. Roosevelt lived here the first 14 years of his life.

In addition to the home itself, there are two gallery rooms with a wealth of memorabilia. particularly interesting are many photos of the president, one of the first to recognize the power of the photo opportunity and power of the media. Many of the home's furnishings are original, donated by family descendants over the years.

Thirty minute guided tours are available on the hour, and there is no fee to tour the home. Reservations are accepted only for groups of 10 or more, so in general you can just walk up and participate in a tour. seeing as the site is in the midst of Manhattan, there are literally hundreds of nearby attractions, both cultural and historic. Touring the Roosevelt birthplace is an appropriate agenda item on any history based exploration of new York City.