President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) is a man of many “firsts.” Bold and progressive-minded, he’s always on the cutting edge and embraces technological innovations.
The first president to go down (and pilot) a submarine—Roosevelt climbs into the submarine Plunger, in Long Island Sound on August 22, 1905. He remains on board from 3:30 to 6:10 p.m., spending nearly an hour completely submerged. Several newspapers, including the New York Times (August 27, 1905, p. 6), criticize Roosevelt for risking his life.
The first president to leave the country during his time in office—On November 9, 1906, Roosevelt embarks from the Chesapeake Bay aboard the U.S.S. Louisiana to inspect the construction of the Panama Canal, an undertaking that eventually connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The first conservationist president—Roosevelt uses his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. He establishes 150 new national forests, 18 national monuments, five national parks, and 51 wildlife refuges, protecting 172 million acres.
The youngest president ever (and the record still stands!)—After President William McKinley is assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt becomes president at the age of 42. John F. Kennedy is the youngest president ever elected at the age of 43.
The first president to make a public appearance by automobile—Roosevelt’s predecessor, William McKinley, is the first president to ride in a car, but Roosevelt is the first to make it part of his official presidential duties when he toured Hartford, Connecticut, in 1902. Cheering supporters greet Mr. Roosevelt at all points along his parade route, which he traversed in “a handsome Victoria automobile, in charge of two expert New York chauffeurs,” The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, IN), August 23, 1902.
The first president to invite an African American to dine at the White House—Soon after moving into the White House in 1901, Roosevelt invites educator Booker T. Washington to dine with the first family. The event sparks an angry backlash from Southern politicians and the press.
The first president to send a transatlantic cable for the purposes of diplomacy—The Commercial Pacific Cable Company completes the full length cable from San Francisco to Manila in mid-1903. President Roosevelt commemorates the opening of the service by sending a telegraph message from Oyster Bay, Long Island and back again.
The first president to have a telephone—Roosevelt takes press relations to the next level by installing a telephone into his home and offices in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
The first president (and American) to win the Nobel Peace Prize—Roosevelt receives the prestigious award in 1906 for negotiating peace in the Russo-Japanese war.
The first president to ride in an airplane (although out of office at the time)—October 11, 1910, Roosevelt stays aloft for 4 minutes in a Wright Brothers-built plane at Kinloch Field in St. Louis, MO, piloted by Arch Hoxsey. The first president to do so in office is his cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Discover more:
- Search Chronicling America* to find more newspaper coverage of Theodore Roosevelt and more!
- Check out these Roosevelt-related topics pages:
Presidential Administrations, Theodore Roosevelt
Presidential Election of 1900: McKinley-Roosevelt vs. Bryan-Stevenson
Theodore Roosevelt’s Africa Expedition
Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet”
Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders - Read the blog post “The Pocket Items That Saved the Life of Theodore Roosevelt“
- View the “Theodore Roosevelt Papers” digitally available online from the Library’s website.
* The Chronicling America historic newspapers online collection is a product of the National Digital Newspaper Program and jointly sponsored by the Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Comments (16)
What a guy!
Great post! It’s really inspired me to start searching the papers. Chronicling America looks amazing, I can’t wait to start.
Very interesting stuff for an old teacher (of French and English)—-. Additionally, I have taught history to grades 6–12. So—I welcome my newly-discovered site!
Ms. R. A. Vanderhorst
re: TR statue at museum. Why not just remove the Native American and African statues that represent the domination by the.great majority of the nation. TR did so many things that benefitted all who live in US still, he deserves recognition and thanks from all of us.
The first president to have a person of color invited to the White House. Booker T.Washington.seems very progressive to me.
Do not touch that statue I’m an Italian American African are proud of there heritage and so are other Americans, let’s not step on thhis man who did so much for all people regardless of color, there are some statues that should been removed n those Confederate Notables harm people of color, the way things are going they will take down Martin Luther King let’s stop n think about the great men n woman of history!
For crying out loud. What is it suddenly with all this madness in removing statues?.Maybe some radical racists individuals must be taken down. But President Roosevelt. Are we willing to erase all of our Americans history, during a period of uproar? I don’t believe so.
Ted was awesome !! All my admiration for him !!!
Edmund Morris’ acclaimed prize-winning three-volume biography of the man is the best thing I’ve ever read. “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” accounts his life from birth to McKinley’s death, “Theodore Rex” his years in office, “Colonel Roosevelt” his life after the Presidency. The writing is stunningly compelling, cinematic and detailed.
Nice review, Ms. Thomas TR is the favorite President of many Americans for many reasons you document. Progressive scientific, level-headed environmentalist. A great man for the ages, particularly his age and today.
Thank you!
yea this guy was off the hook with his presidency
cool
ok he was cool president
It is great to read about the terrific accomplishments of past presidents. Theodore Roosevelt was an interesting President who served our country.
It is great to read about the accomplishments that President Roosevelt did during his presidency. He was a fair man who respect everyone black or white. Theodore Roosevelt was an interesting President who served our country well.