Today in History: Theodore Roosevelt
Today in History–February 3–the Library of Congress features Theodore Roosevelt, who penned a personal love missive about his future wife on this day in 1880. That first marriage was, unfortunately, cut short by his wife’s untimely death. But Roosevelt would marry again and had a long, prosperous life as a conservationist, progressive politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Find out more about this larger than life figure in our nation’s history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources and resources related to the 26th president of the United States.
Primary source sets
- Oath of Office – September 14, 1901
- Second Inauguration – March 4, 1905
- Theodore Roosevelt images
- Theodore Roosevelt: His Life and Times on Film
- Theodore Roosevelt speeches (audio)
- Theodore Roosevelt Papers
- Theodore Roosevelt books & articles
- Theodore Roosevelt correspondence & presidential proclamations
- Historical newspaper coverage
- McKinley-Roosevelt election 1900
- Theodore Roosevelt election 1904
- Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1912
- President Roosevelt front-page coverage 1901-1909
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Africa Expedition 1909-1910
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet 1907-1909
- Roosevelt third term 1906-1912
- Roosevelt Progressive Party 1911-1912
- Roosevelt trust buster 1900-1917
Individual primary sources
- Selections from Theodore Roosevelt’s Diary: 1880-84
- Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick: letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Henry Sprague 1900
- Theodore Roosevelt: Taft nomination political cartoon 1908
- President Roosevelt Arbor Day message 1907
- Through the Brazilian Wilderness by Theodore Roosevelt 1914
- Edith Wharton tribute to Theodore Roosevelt: With the Tide 1919 (transcript)
Teaching resources
- Learning from the Source: Monumental Men primary source lesson plan
- Guided primary source analysis activities
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Thanksgiving Truce: A Political Cartoon Teaching with the Library of Congress November 10, 2011
Secondary sources
- Theodore Roosevelt stories from America’s Library
- Roosevelt, Muir, and The Camping Trip Inside Adams August 11, 2016
- Theodore Roosevelt–A Bully Birthday! Picture This April 25, 2012
- Theodore Roosevelt: President, Outdoorsman Picture This October 25, 2013
More resources
Related resources
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- Today in History: Spanish-American War
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- Today in History: Anthracite Coal Strike
- Today in History: Progressive/Bull Moose Party
- Today in History: Gifford Pinchot
- Primary Source Spotlight: Teddy Bears
- U.S. President primary sources & teaching resources