In Honor of a President
Theodore National Park in the Badlands of North Dakota
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt
bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could
not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would
forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life
that TR experienced here would help shape him physically and psychologically
and in the future his support of a conservation policy that we still benefit from
today. My father born in 1909 was named after
Theodore Roosevelt. Needless to say TR is one of my great heroes in American
history. If you’re not acquainted with
him, I strongly suggested reading his
biography. There are several good ones available and two of the best are
Mornings On Horseback by David McCullough and Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris. In the
meantime, I’ll give you a look at the place that helped change him from a
sickly asthmatic boy and a grieving husband and son (his wife and mother died
on the same day) to one of our greatest presidents. Photography by Mrs T. and her vacationing
partner in North Dakota.
The rugged landscape of the Badlands of western North Dakota was unusually green for late July this year. We also saw Roosevelt's
first ranch house, The Maltese Cross near the town of Medora.
More on Medora next.....
McCollough is a masterful writer. I've been to the park once a very log time ago, was impressed and probably should visit again.
ReplyDeleteOh so beautiful, want to go one day there too, Thanks for sharing, Francine.
ReplyDeleteI'll be headed to that park in a little over a month. I'll be waiting for more stories from you about it.
ReplyDeletegosh, such gorgeous territory.
ReplyDeleteI hope you keep his heritage forever. We have a conservative government that doesn't seem to be overly mindful of our national parks.
ReplyDeleteYes, the man who more or less invented conservation of our natural treasures. I will definitely get that book.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I never saw a picture of him as a young man. Quite good looking.
I did a lot of growing up on Minot AFB in North Dakota and we made several visits to the Badlands. I remember visiting Medora as well.
ReplyDeleteI thought of him exploring when I was there last.
ReplyDeleteJust finished a David McCoullough book. I will definitely put this one on my list to read.
ReplyDeleteTheodore Roosevelt is one of my favorite Presidents as well. Thank you for sharing the following good reads.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!!
Hi TB. Thanks for hanging in there with me. This is my one day to post and comment. I'm getting a lot more done around the yard and house by cutting back on my blogging. LOL. We've been to the Bison Range, and I think we'll have to go explore TR Park soon. We're not that far away. The photos are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous park. And what an interesting man Roosevelt was.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book suggestions. Although I feel I know a little about his life I am sure these authors will fill in a great deal of what I don't know. Liked all the photos especially since I am unfamiliar with the area. But especially liked the cabin interior shot. -- thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteT.R. was a fascinating person. I'll have to read this book. Interesting to see a photo of his first ranch cabin.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures. I have not read that book.
ReplyDeleteLovely photography from Mrs. T! I loved how you combine a book recommendation, a history lesson and a tour of the area in one post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the book suggestions. The area is so beautiful. I'd love to visit there someday.
ReplyDeleteRugged and beautiful. The cabin was fun to see.
ReplyDelete