Roosevelt Memorial
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Birth - 22
YOUNG
NATURALIST
“It is an incalculable added pleasure...to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.”
–Theodore Roosevelt
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BORN
at 28 E. 20th St, New York City
1858
OCTOBER 27
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PATRICIA O’TOOLE
Roosevelt struggles with asthma throughout childhood; turns to fresh, outdoor air for relief
1862
JUNE
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1867
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READS DARWIN’S ORIGIN
On the Origin of Species (1859) revolutionized scientific thinking and inspires Roosevelt to continue his natural history study
1869
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American Museum of Natural History: The American Museum of Natural History is cofounded by Theodore Roosevelt Sr. The AMNH charter is signed in the Roosevelt home.
1869
APRIL 6
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LEARNS TAXIDERMY
To preserve the birds he collects, Roosevelt learns taxidermy from John Bell (above), a famous taxidermist and colleague of wildlife artist John James Audubon
1871
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DOUGLAS BRINKLEY
Roosevelt’s first glasses changed his life: “I had no idea how beautiful the world was until I got those spectacles”
1871
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Yellowstone Created: President Grant creates America's first national park. Later, Roosevelt protects bison there.
1872
MARCH
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TRAVELS TO EGYPT
Roosevelt (here on Nile River, seated on floor, second from right) keeps a detailed natural history journal. He writes that a grass warbler “is very active, and sings sweetly.”
1872
OCTOBER
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Enters Harvard: Roosevelt starts out studying natural history, but by graduation his interests shift toward politics.
1876
FALL
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PUBLISHES SUMMER BIRDS OF THE ADIRONDACKS
The booklet gains him the attention of noted naturalist C. Hart Merriam and a listing in the 1877 Naturalists Directory
1877
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EDMUND MORRIS
Roosevelt, with sights set on becoming a politician, graduates from Harvard with honors
1880
JUNE
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END OF FIRST CHAPTER
To continue, choose Firsthand Observer
1880
