Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
28 East 20th Street
New York, NY 10003
Located at what is now 28 East 20th 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.
