Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York, is the former estate of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States. Roosevelt became president in 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley, and served in that office until 1909. He lived at Sagamore Hill from 1886 until his death in 1919. Roosevelt’s widow, Edith, resided there until she died in 1948.
The Roosevelt family built the house at Sagamore Hill in 1885. Today, its 23 rooms are furnished as they were during Roosevelt’s lifetime. The house contains many items that reflect the former president’s varied interests. Hunting trophies, fine art, and about 6,000 books are only some of the displays. The site’s museum collection also contains such items as historic photographs, family documents, archaeological objects, and Theodore Roosevelt memorabilia.
During Roosevelt’s administration, Sagamore Hill served as a summer White House. There, the country’s leaders attended to national affairs away from the capital’s oppressive summertime heat.
A famous meeting held at Sagamore Hill in 1905 helped end the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). At the meeting, Roosevelt brought together Japanese and Russian leaders to negotiate peace. Roosevelt’s efforts made him the first American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The site also includes the Old Orchard Museum in the former home of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., and his family. Today, this Georgian-style house contains administrative offices, an auditorium, and exhibits on President Roosevelt, his career, and his family. Sagamore Hill became a national historic site in 1963. The National Park Service operates the site with the support of the Friends of Sagamore Hill.
