Teddy Roosevelt and the ADK

            Known as The Rough Rider, Theodore Roosevelt, commonly referred to as Teddy, was an avid naturalist and outdoorsmen. Additionally, he was the 26^th president of the United States, known for his commitment to break up large corporations and conserve natural resources. While Teddy tackled the necessity to spend time and energy on economic, political, and social issues that plagued the nation in the early 20^th century, he thoroughly enjoyed challenging issues that faced our environment and relaxing in the very nature that he fought to conserve. 

            Teddy first visited the Adirondacks at the age of 12, visiting Lake George and becoming mesmerized by the beauty of the region. He came back throughout his teenage years, with the assistance of a guide, to backpack, bird watch, collect plants, hunt, and relax. He even published a book on his observations of birds in the region during his college years. Despite his fondness for the region, he is better known for his journey to the presidency from the top of the park’s highest peak.

            On September 6^th, 1901, William McKinley, acting president of the United States, was shot at a reception in Buffalo. Upon learning of the assassination attempt, Teddy made his way from Lake George to Buffalo to accompany McKinley. On September 10^th, McKinley seemed to be on the way to a full recovery, so Teddy left Buffalo to join the rest of his family back in the Adirondacks. On September 12^th, the Roosevelt’s and several hired guides made the journey up Mount Marcy, however, while on the hike, a local guide came to tell Teddy that McKinley was dying and he needed to travel to Buffalo to take the oath of office if and when McKinley passed. Teddy travelled down the mountain with the guide and by wagon to the nearest train station 35 miles away. Because of the rotating wagons and horses, Teddy made it to the train station in record-breaking time. Upon his arrival at the station, he learned of President McKinley’s death and proceeded to Buffalo, ultimately arriving around midday on the 14^th and becoming inaugurated soon after.

            While the story of Teddy’s journey from Mount Marcy to the presidency may be his most well known story involving the Adirondacks, his love for the region and conservation efforts should not go unnoticed. Teddy has exclaimed that his conservation efforts are his proudest achievement, as he established the United States Forest Service, created numerous national parks, bird reserves, game reserves, and national monuments. It is important to remember that despite all of Teddy’s other accomplishments and his hectic schedule, he still made an effort to return to the Adirondacks to relax, illustrating the park’s natural tranquility and beauty.