Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
Theodore Roosevelt was born 167 years ago today, on October 27, 1858, in New York City. He was raised in a well-to-do family and spent much of his youth battling asthma and building physical strength. Roosevelt attended Harvard University, married Alice Hathaway Lee in 1880, and later married Edith Kermit Carow after Alice's death; he had six children in total.
Before becoming President, Roosevelt built a diverse and active public career. He served as a New York State Assemblyman, New York City Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Colonel of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. He then served as Governor of New York and Vice President under William McKinley before becoming President in 1901 following McKinley’s assassination.
During his presidency, Roosevelt championed progressive reforms and expanded the power of the federal government. He is known for trust-busting, establishing national parks, and beginning construction on the Panama Canal. His foreign policy approach, summarized as “speak softly and carry a big stick,” helped elevate the United States as a global power.
- Roosevelt retreated to the Badlands of North Dakota after personal tragedy, where he worked as a rancher and developed a lasting appreciation for the American frontier. This experience shaped his conservation efforts as President.
- Theodore Roosevelt was chosen for Mount Rushmore because of his leadership in industrial growth, international diplomacy, and national parks. His face represents the development of the United States in the early 20th century.
- The “Teddy Bear” was named after Roosevelt following a 1902 hunting trip where he refused to shoot a captured bear. A political cartoon of the incident inspired a toy maker to create the first "Teddy Bear."
Theodore Roosevelt remains one of the most dynamic leaders in American history. His legacy is reflected not just in legislation and conservation, but also in the cultural imagination of what it means to be a strong and principled leader. His life embodied many of the qualities celebrated in today’s Republicman: realistic, patriotic, and committed to the greater good.
At WaveRocket, we recognize that America’s strength is built on individuals like Roosevelt—problem solvers, unifiers, and doers. His story aligns with the spirit of our Republicman Collection, which promotes common sense, generosity, and a winning mindset. Discover more stories like this and explore gear designed to reflect the same values by visiting Stories & Swag.