Many Hats of Theodore Roosevelt

In this letter, Theodore Roosevelt responds to a request for a biographical sketch of his life. He provides a brief history of his family and schooling, and his fondness for horses, hunting, and the Western plains. He also includes further detail regarding his political career. Written on pages torn from a journal.

Spurs used by TR as a cattle rancher at his ranch in Medora, North Dakota.

Big game competition medallion issued by the Boone & Crockett Club featuring the heads of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Theodore Roosevelt co-founded the Boone & Crockett Club with George Bird Grinnell in 1887. The Club still exists today and is focused on wildlife conversation.

Mrs. Bellamy Storer encouraged TR to sit for this portrait after his return from the Spanish American War in 1898. In 1902 Roosevelt agreed to be painted in his Rough Rider uniform by Fedor Encke. In a letter to Mrs. Storer in December in 1902, Roosevelt said "Just at this time I could have received no other present which would have appealed to me so much as the picture by Encke, and I thank you for it with all my heart. I took an immense fancy to the picture. I cannot say that I think it looks particularly like me, but most emphatically it does look the way I should like to have my children and possible grandchildren think that I looked! I have always wanted to have a picture taken in uniform, although I have felt shamefaced about sitting for such a picture in view of my very brief military career. So I do wish you to feel that you have given me the very thing of all others I wanted" (Theodore Roosevelt Papers, Library of Congress).

Cavalry jacket, leggings, and glove worn by Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider during the Spanish American War in 1898. The jacket is marked with the initials "U.S.V." for United States Volunteers. The Rough Riders were formally known as the 1st Volunteer Cavalry, United States Army.

In April, 1898, TR resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to join the 1st Volunteer Cavalry. He wrote to a friend that "for the last year I have preached war with Spain. I should feel distinctly ashamed if I now failed to practice what I have preached." He went to war in uniforms made by Brooks Brothers, 11 extra pairs of eyeglasses, and several felt Rough Rider hats.

According to Edith Roosevelt, these metal riding spurs were worn by Theodore Roosevelt in the Santiago Campaign during the Spanish American War. Roosevelt raised a volunteer cavalry regiment known as the "Rough Riders" to fight in the Spanish American War.

Leather suitcase with the letters "T. ROOSEVELT" on both sides and paper travel decals.

Western Union Telegram from Theodore Roosevelt to General Leonard Wood in Santiago, Cuba announcing Roosevelt's election as New York State Governor. The handwritten message states "Am elected -- Roosevelt." Leonard Wood served alongside Theodore Roosevelt as Colonel of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War. While Roosevelt returned state-side with his "Rough Riders" in August 1898, Leonard Wood remained in Cuba with the 2nd Volunteer Cavalry.

Formal invitation to Theodore Roosevelt's Inauguration as Governor of New York State.

Theodore Roosevelt used this carved mahogany armchair with an eagle, crest, and lions as Governor of New York State from 1899 to 1901.

Theodore Roosevelt wore this black top hat to the funeral of the late President William McKinley in September of 1901.

This formal invitation to attend the Inaugural Ball on March 4, 1905 was sent to Edith and Theodore Roosevelt's youngest son, Quentin.

Field glasses and an inlaid compass in a leather case engraved "TO T.R FROM J.F.B. MARCH 4TH 1909." TR brought these field glasses with him on his African safari from 1909-1910.

Theodore Roosevelt brought this leather medical kit containing a scale and vials of medicine on his South America trip to explore the River of Doubt in Brazil in 1913.