By Theodore Roosevelt
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This autograph collage features an original typed and signed letter by Theodore Roosevelt. The letter was typed on Republican State Committee letterhead, and is dated November 18, 1898. Roosevelt wrote the letter to Charles Gordon to thank him “heartily” for his congratulations. Roosevelt was elected the governor of New York just ten days prior to this letter. Roosevelt signed the typed letter on the right, just above the centerfold. The signature reads, “T. Roosevelt” in dark ink.
Still one of the most popular U.S. presidents today, Theodore Roosevelt had an eventful life. He grew up with a very active lifestyle in the West despite having asthma and a weak heart. Holding various political positions throughout his career, Teddy famously paused his personal career goals during the Spanish-American War to raise his own volunteer cavalry, the “Rough Riders.” Holding the position of Lieutenant Colonel, Teddy led his men into Cuba and charged valiantly up San Juan Hill in 1898, a decisive battle effectively ending the Spanish-American War.
Shortly after Roosevelt's return to the United States, Republican Congressman Lemuel Quigg asked Roosevelt to run in the 1898 gubernatorial election. Roosevelt defeated incumbent Frank Black in the Republican caucus by a vote of 753 to 218, and faced Democrat Augustus Van Wyck, a well-respected judge, in the general election. Roosevelt campaigned vigorously on his war record, winning the election by a margin of just one percent. As governor, Roosevelt learned much about ongoing economic and political issues that later proved valuable in his presidency. He studied the problems of trusts, monopolies, labor relations, and conservation.
In June of 1900, during the Republican National Convention, Roosevelt was unanimously nominated for Vice President on the Republican ticket with President William McKinley. Not yet six months into his term as Vice President, President McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th president.
During his time in office, Roosevelt is most known for his National Monuments Act protecting wildlife sanctuaries, the Grand Canyon, and establishing federal forests. He is also responsible for the construction of the Panama Canal, is remembered for his corollary to the Monroe Doctrine proclaiming the U.S.’s right to intervene in cases of wrongdoing around the world, his commitment to expanding the Navy, and his strong oratory skills. Roosevelt also won a Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation between Japan and Russia in 1906.
A man of many interests, he published over 25 books on history, biology, geography, and philosophy. Roosevelt had many progressive policies and was the first president to invite an African American guest, Booker T. Washington, to the White House. He committed himself to the “Square Deal” fighting against trusts to regulate industry.
Roosevelt ran again for the presidency in 1912 backed by a party he created called the “Bull Moose Party...
Category
1890s American Antique Theodore Roosevelt Furniture