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Theodore Roosevelt is born
Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909 -
Yosemite under Federal Control
In 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park, home of such natural wonders as Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees. Environmental trailblazer John Muir and his colleagues campaigned for the congressional action, which was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison and paved the way for generations of hikers, campers and nature lovers, along with countless “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs. -
Returns from the Spanish-American War as a hero
The "splendid little war" lasted ten weeks. It destroyed the Spanish Empire and ushered in a new era of American Empire. Roosevelt's political career ignited as he returned a war hero and national celebrity. He charged on horseback to victory at Kettle Hill and San Juan Heights, and continued riding that horse all the way to the White House just three years later. Roosevelt was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, one hundred years later, for " -
Named President when McKinley is assassinated
Mckinley was shot and fatally wounded on September 6th, 1901 by an anarchist who had lost his job during the Panic of 1893. Roosevelt, being his Vice President, became president when Mckinley died on September 14th, 1901 -
Elkins Act
The Act authorized the Interstate Commerce Commission to impose heavy fines on railroads that offered rebates, and upon the shippers that accepted these rebates. -
Pelican Island, Florida named first national wildlife refuge
The refuge consists of a 3-acre island that includes an additional 2.5 acres of surrounding water and is located off the east coast of Florida of the Indian River Lagoon. Established by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island was the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. -
Wins first full term as President
Roosevelt had succeeded to the presidency in 1901 following the assassination of William McKinley. In 1904, he won election to the presidency in his own right; the first president to do so after the untimely death of his predecessor. -
Passage of Pure Food And Drug Act
In 1905 Upton Sinclair's The Jungle exposed practices in the Chicago meat-packing industry. The articles of Samuel Collins Adams in Collier's magazine on patent medicines and advertising fraud. These and other articles served to highlight the widespread adulteration of ethical drugs as well as of food. -
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, named first national monument
This is a volcanic formation in Wyoming. It is over 1,200 feet tall -
Leaves presidency, visits Africa
Roosevelt spent 11 months in Africa with his son Kermit. During his trip he bagged 296 kills, including nine lions, eight elephants, thirteen rhinoceroses, fifteen zebras, and seven hippopotami. Kermit made 216 kills. -
Runs for presidency, unsuccessfully for Bull-Moose Party
Also known as the Bull Moose Party, the Progressive platform called for the direct election of U.S. senators, woman suffrage, reduction of the tariff, and many social reforms. Roosevelt embarked on a vigorous campaign as the party’s presidential candidate. A key point of his platform was the “Square Deal”–Roosevelt’s concept of a society based on fair business competition and increased welfare for needy Americans.
