THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S BIRTHPLACE

 

28 East 20th Street
New York, NY 10003

Located at what is now 28 East 20^th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue, the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace stands as a stark tribute to this great man.  Back in the day, the site was occupied by a brownstone mansion constructed ten years prior to Teddy’s birth. That building was demolished in 1916 and replaced with a more Gothic replica in 1923. The young Roosevelt lived there for fifteen years, and his aura is everywhere. The birthplace is currently maintained by the venerable National Parks Service and boasts five full rooms full of Roosevelt’s belongings. 

Besides a Rough Rider and future President, Teddy Roosevelt was New York’s Governor for four years, from 1898 to 1901. At that time, his support for progressive business and labor reforms made him an enemy of the New York Republican Party. To smooth things over, head Republican Thomas Platt finagled Roosevelt’s nomination for vice president in 1900. When William McKinley was assassinated, Theodore Roosevelt became the twenty-sixth president. 

Visitation to the site is highest in April and May, and bottoms out in mid-winter, so plan accordingly. Over thirty thousand men, women, and children paid homage to Old Hickory in 1996 alone…a staggering figure. Tickets are two dollars and the landmark is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Guided tours are available every hour until 4:00 pm. Additionally, Saturday afternoon chamber music concerts are offered each fall winter, and spring.