Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Theodore RooseveltInaugural National Historic Site |
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Ansley Wilcox House and statue
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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 | 1.03 acres (0.42 ha) |
| Established | November 2, 1966 |
| Visitors | 30,141 (in 2024) |
| 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 it's where Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States. This happened on September 14, 1901, after President William McKinley sadly passed away. A historical marker outside the house reminds everyone of this important event.
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The House's History
The oldest part of this historic site was once part of the Buffalo Barracks. These barracks were a military base built in 1839. They helped keep the border safe between the United States and what was then British Canada. The building that is now part of the historic site started as officers' living quarters in 1840.
After the military base closed in 1845, the building became a private home. Over the years, different owners changed and added to the house. In the late 1800s, Dexter Rumsey gave the property to his son-in-law, Ansley Wilcox, and his wife, Mary Grace Rumsey. They made many big changes to the house. You can still see the plans for these renovations at the historic site today.
Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President
In 1901, President William McKinley was visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. During his visit, he was shot.
At first, doctors thought President McKinley would recover. However, his condition soon became worse. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt quickly returned to Buffalo. When he arrived, he learned that President McKinley had died.
Because of the sad and serious situation, it was decided that Theodore Roosevelt should become president right away. The Wilcox home was chosen as the best place for this important ceremony. About 50 important people, family members, and government officials gathered in the front library. Federal Judge John R. Hazel officially gave Roosevelt the oath of office. There are no photos of the actual ceremony. However, the room was photographed many times after the inauguration.
What Happened After
The Wilcox family continued to live in the house until they passed away in the 1930s. The furniture from their home was sold. The property then became a restaurant called the Kathryn Lawrence Restaurant. The restaurant owners changed the inside of the house. They removed some walls and painted over some of the wood. The restaurant closed in 1961.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the first part of the house is a museum. It shows many items from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. You can see things like wine glasses, plates, playing cards, and even the key to the Temple of Music. The last room is set up to look like the office Theodore Roosevelt used as president. It even has an interactive desk where visitors can send emails to themselves!
Protecting the Site
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site was officially recognized on November 2, 1966. It is managed by the National Park Service. This means it is a special place protected for everyone to learn about and enjoy.
