The National Park Service
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural
National Historic Site
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In May of 1901, the Pan American Exposition opened for six months in Buffalo, New York. On September 6th, while visiting the Exposition, President William McKinley was shot and wounded by a would-be assassin. Vice-president Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo the next day and was invited to stay at the home of his friend, Ansley Wilcox. Four days later, with McKinley's condition improving and a full recovery expected, Roosevelt was convinced it was no longer necessary for him to remain in Buffalo. Joining his family in the Adirondacks, Roosevelt planned to spend a few days hiking in the mountains. On Friday, September 13th, after descending Mount Marcy, Roosevelt received an urgent message to return to Buffalo. McKinley's condition had worsened and he was not expected to live through the night. Roosevelt's journey began at 10:30 pm with a six hour carriage ride to the North Creek train station. From there he traveled to Albany and then on to Buffalo, arriving at 1:30 pm, eleven hours after McKinley's death. It was September 14, 1901. After paying his respects to Mrs. McKinley, Roosevelt was inaugurated as our 26th president in the Library of the Ansley Wilcox home. The unusual circumstances surrounding the inauguration resulted in this being the first swearing-in to take place in a city that was not the capital, and had never been the capital, of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt's 1901-09 administration has been deemed the first "modern presidency" due to Roosevelt's progressive and liberal policies towards foreign affairs, labor, conservation, and the underprivileged in society.

VISITATION:
25,000 annually

LOCATION:
Buffalo, New York

ADDRESS:
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202

TELEPHONE:
716-884-0095
716-884-0330 (fax)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

This summer has been unusually hot and humid with very little rain. Shorts and light shirts are recommended.


DIRECTIONS:

From east: Take I-90 east to Rt. 33 west. Exit at Locust St. or Goodell Street. Stay on Goodell Street for six blocks. Cross Main Street at (St. Louis Church is on the corner) to Edward Street. Go one block to Franklin Street and turn right. Go three blocks on Franklin Street. After you pass Allen Street, the parking lot will be 3/4 of a block up on the left side.

From the west: Take I-90 west to 190 north. Get off at the Church Street exit. Go three blocks on Church to Franklin Street and turn left. Stay on Franklin Street for about one mile. When you pass Allen Street, the parking lot will be 3/4 of a block on the left side.

Please note: Road construction may be taking place at the Church Street exit. If so, get off at the next exit (Niagara Street), turn right and then make a quick left on to Carolina Street. Stay on Carolina to Tupper Street and turn right. Go three blocks on Tupper to Franklin Street. Turn left. Go up about three and one half blocks and the parking lot is on the left.

From Niagara Falls, NY - Take the Robert Moses Expressway to the 190 south. Take 190 south to Buffalo. Get off at Porter Avenue exit. Turn left on to Porter. Stay on Porter (the street name changes to North) until Delaware Avenue. Turn right on Delaware. Go one block to Allen Street, turn left on Allen and then a left on Franklin Street. The parking lot will be on the left side.

From Canada: Lewiston-Queenston Bridge - Take 190 south to Buffalo. Follow above directions.

From Canada: Peace Bridge - Follow above directions from Porter Avenue.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:


FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

The front portion of the house was built c. 1839 as officers' quarters for the Buffalo Barracks. Ansley Wilcox enlarged the house to its present size in the 1890s. The architecture is primarily Greek Revival. The first floor contains the visitor orientation room, three restored rooms, one permanent exhibit room on the events of 1901, and the restrooms. The lower level has one gallery for changing exhibits and an education classroom. The second floor has one restored room, a large room to rent for meetings and small get-togethers, wall space available for art shows by local artists and groups and a gift shop. There is a garden area outside.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ACREAGE:
1.3 acres in an urban area

VISITOR CENTER/EXHIBITS:
Extensive exhibit on 1901 events

TRAILS, ROADS:
No trails; a parking lot is located behind the Site on Franklin Street, a one way street going north from downtown Buffalo.

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:

LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES:

Several hotels are located near the Site on Delaware Avenue and also in downtown Buffalo. The nearest campground is located in Grand Island, NY, about 10 miles away.

FOOD SUPPLIES:
Supermarkets and convenient stores are located near the Site.

ACCESSIBILITY:

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Allow approximately one hour for a tour of the house; two hours for a walking tour and gardens at your leisure.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
Special fund raising events are held throughout the year. These events are both entertaining and educational, usually reflecting lifestyles and traditions of the Victorian era.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Niagara Falls; Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society; Buffalo Naval and Military Park; Buffalo Zoo; Buffalo Museum of Science; Albright-Knox Art Gallery; Burchfield-Penney Art Center; Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens; Forest Lawn Cemetery (grave of Millard Fillmore); Millard Fillmore Home, East Aurora, New York; buildings and homes by prominent architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, H.H. Richardson and Louis Sullivan; also six Frederick Law Olmsted parks; and the Allentown National Preservation District.


Last Updated:Thursday, 19-Aug-99 15:52:21
http://www.nps.gov/thri/
Updated by: Ann Marie Linnabery