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Theodore Roosevelt is born
On October 27, 1858, future President Theodore Roosevelt is born in New York City to a wealthy family. -
Wins first full term as President
The rising young Republican politician Theodore Roosevelt unexpectedly became the 26th president of the United States in September 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley. He won a second term on his own merits in 1904. His Presidential term lasted from September 14, 1901 – March 4, 1909 -
Named President when McKinley is assassinated
William McKinley was shot President William McKinley is shot at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, on September 6, 1901. Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is arrested in connection with the attack. On September 14, 1901, McKinley dies of complications from his bullet wounds. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes the presidency. -
Energy crisis
The Coal strike of 1902 (also known as the anthracite coal strike) was a strike by the United Mine Workers of America in the anthracite coalfields of eastern Pennsylvania. The strike threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply to major American cities.The miners had left the anthracite fields on May 12, demanding wage increases, union recognition, and a shorter workday -
Elkins Act
This is where Teddy Roosevelt comes in. As president, Roosevelt pressed Congress to amend the Interstate Commerce Act. This amendment, formally named the Elkins Anti-Rebate Act (1903), outlawed the practice of rebates, which were cash refunds on freight charges, usually given to favored high-volume shippers. Any railroad found charging anything other than its published rates faced a stiff fine. -
Pelican Island, Florida named first national wildlife refuge
On March 14, with the encouragement of Frank Chapman and the Florida Audubon Society, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon as the first federal bird reservation giving birth to the National Wildlife Refuge System. By the end of his presidency, Roosevelt named 9 more reservations in Florida and a total of 55 bird reservations and national game preserves, the forerunner to the National Wildlife Refuge System. -
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, named first national monument
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt brought national attention to Devils Tower by authorizing the Antiquities Act, giving the president the power to set aside national monuments. Devils Tower became the first national monument, established that same year. -
Yosemite under Federal Control
He signed the American Antiquities Act of 1906 that transferred the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove back under federal protection and control. A decade later, when the National Park Service formed in 1916, Yosemite had its own agency to protect it, thanks to Roosevelt's efforts. -
Passage of Pure Food And Drug Act
On this day in 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act cleared a hurdle toward its passage when the House and Senate both endorsed a joint conference committee report favoring the bill. The House vote was 240-17. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the landmark Progressive Era legislation into law on June 30. -
Leaves presidency, visits Africa
Theodore Roosevelt declined to run again for the presidency in 1908. Immediately following the inauguration in 1909, he set out for Africa to hunt big game and collect specimens for the Smithsonian Institution. His decision was based on his desire to leave the political stage to his successor and on his natural need for action. -
Runs for presidency, unsuccessfully for Bull-Moose Party
The Bull-Moose Party was a third party in the United States formed in 1912 by former president Theodore Roosevelt after he lost the presidential nomination of the Republican Party to his former protege and conservative rival, incumbent president William Howard Taft.
