Picture biography of Theodore Roosevelt by Theodore Roosevelt Association

Photographs copyright (c) 1998, Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library. Photos may be used for school reports with proper referencing; however, other publication or use in any medium including online is prohibited without written consent of the
Theodore Roosevelt Collection.
http://hcl.harvard.edu/houghton/departments/roosevelt.html

A photographic look at the
EARLY CAREERS
of Theodore Roosevelt

Go back to START of photobiography

	During his 1881 wedding trip to Europe with first wife Alice (Hathaway) Lee Roosevelt, TR climbed the Matterhorn. He considered the climb acceptably strenuous, and was pleased with himself for making the trek. As was the custom of the day, this photo was taken in the studio to commemorate the trip, not actually on the mountain. Stunned with the mix of grief and joy over the death of his mother Mittie and his wife Alice on the same day in the same house combined with the birth of his first child, daughter Alice, two days before, TR retreated to life in the western Badlands of Medora, North Dakota.
In the Badlands of Medora, North Dakota, he would heal and learn lessons that would shape not only his future, but the future of the nation. Working shoulder to shoulder with all kinds of men in the west he said, "took the snob" out of him. Working the ranch brought about a profound love of the open land, unique geography and animal species that were fast disappearing with increased settlement and development. [ca.1885]
Ten years later we find TR in Washington married to his long time friend Edith. Quentin was not born yet so there were 5 children under the roof. By this time in 1895 at the age of 36 TR had already had more careers than many men. He had been a Legislator in New York State, a rancher, and the author of several books and was now Civil Service Commissioner.
From 1895 to 1897 TR and family would be back in New York City, where TR became President of the NYC Board of Police Commissioners. Although he sits at a desk here, TR was famous for prowling the streets at all hours learning more about the police as well as the worst corners of the city. He greatly reduced corruption, increased the use of technologies and created one of the first academies for police training.
While keeping watch of NYC crime, TR also kept his eyes on the world. After two years he was back in Washington, this time as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.