1. Aug. 1759-Mar. 6, 1901: Rough Rider to Vice President

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President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was a prolific writer of books, articles, and especially letters, and received as much mail as he sent. His correspondents ranged from heads of states to average Americans, and covered a wide range of topics. Discover what Roosevelt and his correspondents had to say about the issues of their day.

Hailing from a prominent New York family (represented in the collection by several documents predating his birth), Theodore Roosevelt rose to national prominence with the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, better known as the “Rough Riders,” in the Spanish-American War of 1898, and as the author of several books on history, hunting, and the American west. He served as governor of New York before being tapped as President William McKinley’s energetic vice-presidential running mate in the election of 1900. On inauguration day, March 4, 1901, “T. R.” became vice president of the United States.