San Juan Hill to the White House: Teddy Roosevelt's road to the Presidency 

Teddy Roosevelt Official Portrait

On September 14th, 1901, an assassin’s bullet struck President William McKinley in the chest.

McKinley would linger for a week before dying, making Theodore Roosevelt the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt was 42 years old at the time, making him the youngest man to ever assume the Presidency.

But how did this man - who never wanted to be Vice President - go from being a little-known Assistant Secretary of the Navy to leader of the free world?

Let’s take a look at Teddy Roosevelt’s unlikely road to the White House.

Teddy Roosevelt Photo Portrait

Teddy Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27th, 1858 into a wealthy family.

He was a sickly child, but his father encouraged him and his brother to play sports and explore the outdoors.

They did this and became very good at sports, especially boxing and many more.

Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir at Yosemite National Park

Even though Teddy Roosevelt had poor health as a child, he went to Harvard University and did well in both his academics and athletics.

After he graduated, he didn't want to do what his father did and go into business.

He decided to run for political office and won a seat in the New York State Assembly in 1882.

Teddy Roosevelt with the Rough Riders

In April 1898, Roosevelt resigned from his job as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to lead a cavalry unit in Cuba called the "Rough Riders."

The Rough Riders were made up of cowboys, Native Americans, and athletes from Ivy League schools (like Roosevelt himself).

Their brave charge up San Juan Hill helped America win the battle. When Roosevelt returned to New York City, he was greeted as a hero.

This boosted his reputation as a "man of action."

Teddy Roosevelt after leaving office

In 1900, McKinley ran for reelection on a platform of peace and prosperity.

He chose New York governor Theodore Roosevelt as his running mate; Roosevelt was popular with voters thanks to his military exploits in Cuba.

In September 1901, McKinley was shot by an assassin while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo; he died eight days later, making Roosevelt President of the United States.

Teddy Roosevelt was a sickly child, but he became one of America's most popular presidents.

He was brave and determined.

He is remembered for being a very progressive leader.

He did many things to help America, like conservationism, breaking trusts, and regulating big businesses.

If you ever visit San Juan Hill or one of America's national parks, think about all that Roosevelt did during his life.