Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Theodore RooseveltInaugural National Historic Site |
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The house as it appeared in summer 2009
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 Theodore Roosevelt
Inaugural National Historic Site Location in New York
Theodore Roosevelt
Inaugural National Historic Site Location in the United States
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| Location | Buffalo, New York, US |
| Area | 0.147 ha (0.36 acres) |
| Established | November 2, 1966 |
| Visitors | 13,032 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site |
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Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
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| Location | 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, New York |
| Area | 1 acre |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | Cary, George; U.S. Army |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000516 |
| Added to NRHP | November 2, 1966 |
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a special place in Buffalo, New York. It protects the historic Ansley Wilcox House at 641 Delaware Avenue. This house is famous because Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States here. This happened on September 14, 1901, after President William McKinley passed away. A historical marker outside the house tells visitors about this important event.
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History of the Wilcox House
The oldest part of this historic site was once a military building. It was part of the Buffalo Barracks. This military post was built in 1839. Its purpose was to help keep the border safe between the U.S. and Canada.
The land for the barracks stretched from Allen Street to North Street. It also went from Delaware Avenue to Main Street. The building that is now part of the historic site was built in 1840. It served as living quarters for army officers.
From Barracks to Home
In 1845, the military post was closed down. The building then became a private home. Over the years, different owners changed the house. They added new parts and removed old ones.
Later, in the late 1800s, Dexter Rumsey gave the property to his daughter, Mary Grace Rumsey, and her husband, Ansley Wilcox. The Wilcox family made many big changes to the house. You can still see the plans for these changes at the historic site today.
Theodore Roosevelt's Inauguration
In 1901, President William McKinley was visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. During his visit, he was shot by a person named Leon Czolgosz.
At first, doctors thought President McKinley would recover. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt had left Buffalo. But McKinley's condition quickly got worse. Roosevelt rushed back to Buffalo. When he arrived, he learned that President McKinley had died.
Because of the sad and serious situation, it was decided that the new president should take his oath right away. The Wilcox home was chosen as the best place for this important moment. About 50 people gathered in the front library of the house. These included important officials and family members.
Federal Judge John R. Hazel gave Theodore Roosevelt the oath of office. There are no photos of the actual ceremony. But many pictures were taken of the room right after the inauguration.
What Happened Next
The Wilcox family continued to live in the house for many years. They stayed there until they passed away in the 1930s. After they died, the house's furniture was sold.
The property then became a restaurant called the Kathryn Lawrence Restaurant. The restaurant owners made more changes to the house. They removed some inside walls and painted over wood surfaces. The restaurant closed in 1961.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a museum. The first part of the house shows many items from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. You can see things like wine glasses, plates, and playing cards. There is even the key to the Temple of Music, a building from the Exposition.
The last room in the museum is set up like the office Roosevelt used when he was president. It has a cool interactive desk. You can use it to send emails to yourself, just like a president might have done!
How the Site Became a National Park
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site officially became a "National Historic Site" on November 2, 1966. It is managed by the National Park Service. Because it is a historic area, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on the same day.
