Discovering TR in the Region


There are many sites, both historical and contemporary, associated with Theodore Roosevelt. Of course TR's life and career carried him throughout the greater Washington area from Pine Knot in Albermarle County to the White House itself. Tributes to his legacy include the Roosevelt Trail in Rock Creek Park -- site of several legendary 'Point-to-Point' walks -- and Theodore Roosevelt Island in the middle of the Potomac, to our Navy's great aircraft carrier CVN 71 stationed in Norfolk. His name has inspired bars, bed and breakfasts, and any number of campaigns in the region.

Though we are not affiliated with (nor do we sponsor) any of these sites or establishments, their listing here is a testament to both TR's history and his ongoing and evolving legacy.

The White House - Washington, DC
The Roosevelt family called this home from 1901 to 1909, and as TR said, "I don't think any family has enjoyed the White House more than we have." The antics of the Roosevelt children, such as giving their pony rides in the elevator and rollskating on the hardwood floors, added a colorful chapter to the White House lore. "Princess Alice" Roosevelt, TR's first child, married Nicholas Longworth in the East Room February 17, 1906.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - Norfolk, VA
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is a NIMITZ-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier based at Norfolk Naval Station. Nicknamed the "Big Stick," the ship carries a crew of over 5,000 servicemen and women and has participated in several major military operations from Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom.

Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill - Washington, DC
The name of this restaurant is attributed to TR's abrupt response to anyone he suspected might not be telling the truth. The TR theme is carried throughout the restaurant and the proprietors consider him a mentor because he "relished the challenges and fullness of life."

Old Ebbitt Grill - Washington, DC
The Old Ebbitt Grill has been a Washington institution since 1856, and was patronized by Presidents Grant, Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt. Legend has it that the walrus head on display is a trophy from one of TR's hunting trips but not everyone believes the facts support the fable.

Pine Knot Retreat - Keene, VA
Before Camp David there was Pine Knot, a cottage in the woods of Albemarle County, Virginia. Purchased in 1905 by Edith Roosevelt as a family retreat, Pine Knot provided a welcome escape from the demands of the presidency and allowed the Roosevelts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Virginia piedmont.

Theodore Roosevelt Island - Washington, DC
This 91-acre wooded island in the Potomac River was purchased in 1932 as a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt. Today it's a National Park with two and a half miles of trails that give visitors the opportunity to see a variety of plants, birds and small animals.

Grace Reformed Church - Washington, DC
Theodore Roosevelt and his family attended services at Grace Reformed Church during his presidency. He also laid the cornerstone for the current building in 1902. The church continues to foster its connection to TR by maintaining a history room with an artifacts collection and sponsoring events throughout the year.


Have we missed one? E-mail us at Info@CapitalAreaTRA.org



 
Sites around our nation's capitol you may have missed.


Kossuth House
2001 Mass. Ave., NW

Bas-relief plaque of TR commemorates charter of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America in 1907.






American Legal Foundation
2009 Mass. Ave, NW

This stately building was Alice Roosevelt Longworth's home for more than six decades.






Cannon Office Bldg.
Independence & NJ, SE

TR attacked muckrakers in a speech during the laying of the cornerstone of the House Office Building April 14, 1906.






Jusserand Bench
Rock Creek Park - approx. 1/4 mi. north of Klingle Mansion

Rock Creek Park, a favorite with TR and his family, also contains a monument to French Ambassador Jules Jusserand. Jusserand was a confidante of TR's and would accompany him on outings to the park.
 
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