Pine Knot (cabin) facts for kids
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Pine Knot
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Fenceline at the edge of the property
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | VA 712, Glendower, near Charlottesville, Virginia |
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| Area | 90 acres (36 ha) |
| Built | 1905 |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003211 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1989 |
Pine Knot is a special old cabin found about 14 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia. It's located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This cabin was once owned by Theodore Roosevelt, who was a President of the United States. His wife, Edith Kermit Roosevelt, also spent time there.
The Roosevelts used Pine Knot as a quiet getaway while he was president. It was a place for them to relax, not for official government work. In 1905, Mrs. Roosevelt bought the first 15 acres of land with the cabin for $280. Later, in 1911, she bought another 75 acres. Today, the Edith and Theodore Roosevelt Pine Knot Foundation owns the cabin. You can visit it by making an appointment.
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Why Pine Knot Was Special
The main reason Mrs. Roosevelt bought Pine Knot was to create a peaceful escape. Both she and President Roosevelt needed a break from their busy lives. Washington D.C., where they lived, was full of political stress.
A President's Love for Nature
President Roosevelt loved to travel and explore nature. He often visited wild places, like those in Oklahoma and Colorado. Mrs. Roosevelt knew how much he enjoyed the outdoors. She wanted to find a place where they could "rest and repair" from their demanding lives.
Finding the Perfect Getaway
On May 6, 1905, Mrs. Roosevelt visited friends named Joe and Will Wilmer. They lived nearby. She saw the beautiful countryside around their home. This made her think of her husband's love for nature. She decided this area would be perfect for their quiet cabin.
The Cabin's Simple Charm
Pine Knot cabin was built in 1905. It was a simple, two-story wooden house. It had a large porch that stretched across the front. The inside of the cabin was unfinished. It did not have any modern things like running water or electricity. It was truly a rustic retreat.
The cabin was surrounded by nature. It was "tucked away among red and white oak, red cedars, dogwoods, red maples and black cherry trees." This wild setting was exactly what Mrs. Roosevelt wanted.
Recognized as a Historic Place
Because of its history and connection to President Roosevelt, Pine Knot is very important. In 1989, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings and places that are important to the history of the United States.
