SAGAMORE HILL...Theodore Roosevelt's SUMMER WHITE HOUSE
Written: Apr 08 '03 (Updated Dec 06 '05)
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Pros: Shows the home life of a great leader, conservationist, and man of vision.
Cons: Tours can be overbooked early in the day. First come first served.
The Bottom Line: For a relaxing and very informative place dedicated to a great American this is the place to go.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Sagamore Hill National Historic Site |
Theodore Roosevelt is a man noted for many accomplishments.
He was born in New York City. As a sickly child he built his body and spirit up to become a great leader and eventually the President of the United States. His accomplishments were many.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT
He went to Harvard for four years.
After graduation was elected youngest assemblyman in NYC.
Became Police Commissioner of New York.
Published many books.
Spent much time in our, then still, "Wild West"
Was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Resigned that post to become a colonel of the "Rough Riders"
Was elected Governor of New York
Elected Vice President of the United States
Became President of the United States.
Contributed much to what would one day become the National Parks System
Started what would become the National Wildlife Refuge System
SAGAMORE HILL
He spent some of his childhood years growing up in Oyster Bay, Long Island. In 1883 he had Sagamore Hill built.
It is named after Sagamore Mohannis an Indian Chief who used this piece of land for meetings of his tribe. The property rights were sold by him in the 1660's.
I know why Chief Sagamore Mohannis and Theodore Roosevelt both coveted this piece of land. It overlooks the Long Island Sound and fantastic sunsets can be viewed from it!
Roosevelt built a three story brick and frame Victorian structure, with a huge porch and huge fireplaces on about 90 acres of land . It has twenty three rooms of which most are viewed on tour.
GETTING THERE
From NYC you can take the Long Island Railroad to Oyster Bay and take a taxi. It's not too far traveling the rest of the way. By car taking the Long Island Expressway to exit 41 north to rt 106 north to 25A east will get you to the familiar brown signs that will lead you to the door of Roosevelt's home.
SCHEDULES
Winter hours of the grounds, until Labor Day, are Wed through Sunday, 9am till 4:30pm. Tours are 10am till 4pm on the hour. They last about forty minutes and cost five dollars for anyone over sixteen years old. You must have a ticket for the tour. They do sell out, so you must try to get there early, especially on weekends!
The grounds are closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter. The summer has extended hours and days. Please call 1 (516) 922-4788 for up to date info. www.gov.org/sahi can get you some information too.
VISITORS CENTER
The tickets are purchased in the visitors center. It is a small building with a book and shop. This is also where you can ask any questions at the rangers desk. You can also get your National Parks Passport stamped and canceled here. This is an excellent way to collect National Parks. So as to not take too much space in my reviews of National Parks and Historic Sites, I did write a review about the Passport System. Please read about it.
In the rear of the building are restrooms and picnic tables in an open area. No shade. Bring your own food. More recommendations about eats in this review later. A public telephone is also there.
THE GROUNDS
If you are early for one of the first tours take it and then walk the grounds afterward. If you do have to wait for your scheduled tour time, relax and stroll the grounds. It is basically on a big hill. On the the top near the visitors center are a couple of out buildings. The wood and tool building, ice house, and carriage house are all nearby. It is here that they have a short film you may want to check out.
Unfortunately, at this time, the Old Orchard Museum is now closed for renovation. It is in here that other films and exhibits about the family life and political life of Theodore Roosevelt can be studied. This was originally the home of T Roosevelt Jr. built by him in 1938. It was turned into a museum after his death in 1960. Though it is closed, it is my opinion that, you should still visit this landmark if you may not have a chance to in the future.
There are walks and the old carriage path to stroll on. Maps are available at the center. Be sure to check out the family's Pet Cemetery. Lots of little critters have been laid to rest on this small plot of land.
Be sure to take time and check out the scenery. Bring some film. Views of the house, especially in the summer with it's outside porch with awnings, are quite interesting.
THE HOUSE
With tickets taken by the Ranger you are escorted to Sagamore Hill, the house. No longer are non-escorted tours allowed. Unfortunately, not to long ago, a revolver of Roosevelts was stolen from the premises.
The Rangers have much information about the the life of Theodore Roosevelt and the history of the house, the grounds, and the area.
The house is three stories high. They show rooms dependent on the crowds and temperatures. The house was never air conditioned. It can become very hot, musty, and humid inside. It is up to the ranger what he may show. The third floor is extremely hot in the summer and therefore is not always shown.
The house is filled with original furniture. You can envision the Roosevelts at home here. The Library was used as Roosevelt's office. Down stairs are also the dining room, kitchen and Mrs. Roosevelt's Drawing Room. Like I said originally furnished.
In 1905 Theodore has the North Room designed and built. This became his trophy room. All sorts of hunting trophies are on the walls. It also has books and flags and other memorabilia he collected over the years prior to and during his presidency. The room is made with different woods. It was the last room we saw on our tour. It is a very dark room being on the north side of the house with little natural light. It is also the most interesting.
Upstairs are all the living quarters, and guest rooms. The rangers bring the place to life with their commentary. Do ask questions.
The top floor houses Roosevelt's Gun Room. This is where he kept his extensive collection of hunting rifles.
Theodore Roosevelt was an avid hunter. It was his adventures to the west that helped make him aware of the importance of saving what there is today for tomorrows generations.
ROOSEVELT THE GREAT CONSERVATIONIST
While in the, then called, Dakota territories he saw that Buffalo were being hunted to distinction. He saw many other animals that were being lost too. He was also an avid Birder. He saw that importance of conservation. At the time of his presidency there were five National Parks. By the time his presidency was over he was able to acquire.
150 National Forests
51 Bird Reserves
4 National Game Preserves
Five more National Parks
18 National Monuments, of which some are now National Parks
and 24 Reclamation projects.
In 1903, just 100 years ago, he signed over the very first of the bird reserves in Pelican Island, Florida. This was the start of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
We have to always remember Roosevelt for his vision. He once said,
"Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property merely of the people who are alive today, but the property of unknown generations, whose belongings we have no right to squander."
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
The tour and strolling time at Sagamore Hill would probably not take more than two hours. There are other things to do. This is the north shore of Long Island. It is made up of rolling hills and woods. It is filled with small little towns, places of interest, and restaurants. At the turn off from 25A to Sagamore Hill is a small parking lot. Stop and walk the 100 feet or so east into the Theodore Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary. It's a lovely walk in there and very close by is the grave of Theodore Roosevelt himself. If you happened to have extra waiting time from when you purchased your tour ticket to actual tour time you can check this out. It's only a couple of miles from Sagamore Hill and takes just five minutes to get to.
Also in the village of Oyster Bay is the small Oyster Bay Historical Museum. It is housed in a 1720 home that features an 18th century garden in the yard.
Also on Rt 25A traveling in either direction will get you to interesting towns. Bayville to the west a few miles is right on the water with lots of seafood restaurants and a small amusement area for the kids. From here you can check out the rocky north shore beaches too.
Heading east on 25A gets you to Cold Spring Harbor. It's a nice little town of quaint stores that are perfect for shopping. Also in town is the small Whaling Museum.
A must stop, as you drive on 25A in Cold Spring Harbor is the Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. This is a small educational facility that raises thousands upon thousands of trout for stocking each year. Kids love this place and its a nominal fee. They have hands on projects at times. I remember my kids doing artwork using fish scales to print pictures with paint.
SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS
I thought it interesting that, as a child, Theodore Roosevelt watched Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession from his Grandfathers house in Union Square of New York City. Two things came to mind when I read that information.
The first is that as a child of seven years old there was no way that he would or could know that he and Abe Lincoln would have their lives remembered in the sculpture of Mount Rushmore. These two men, along with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson whose busts are also on that mountain, were great defenders of freedom. It is also Theodore Roosevelt whose borrowed quote from West Africa, "Talk Softly and Carry a big stick", has become part of United States international policy.
The second thing that came to mind was an experience I had in Union Square that also dealt with death. On September 11th 2001, the United States was dealt a great tragedy. Three thousand people and a landmark were lost that day. When that happened all streets south of Union Square were closed. Union Square became the meeting place of all those who were hoping their loved ones might still be found alive in the rubble. It was the closest they could get to ground zero. I did write a tribute review in Epinions about the experience my wife, my daughter, and I had when we visited the park and ground zero very soon after the event. I believe in the policy of "Speak Softly and carry a big stick." We must try to live in peace, but, always remain alert and strong for there are those out there that do not believe in our freedom and way of life.
Going to Sagamore Hill helps remind us of our great history and more importantly of the wisdom and fore site of our great leaders. Theodore Roosevelt was one of these leaders.
Go and visit Sagamore Hill, the Summer White House.
Mornings on Horseback; A Biography about Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center Jones beach Long Island
Home or Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Long Island reviews by Popsrocks
Long Island So much to so many
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Nautical Mile Restaurants and Attractions
Cafe by the Sea Good menu and great desserts. Fun entertainment too!
RACHEL'S Waterside Grill Fine Fare on Freeport's Nautical Mile
Otto's Sea Grill On the Nautical Mile. Right on the water.
Ralph's Italian Ices a favorite on the canal.
The South Street Seaport @ Freeport a simple and very informative maritime museum.
Other Long Island Restaurants
Romano's MACARONI GRILL
TGI Friday's
OUTBACK Restaurant
Cheesecake Factory
Red Lobster
Cozymel's
Wendy's
The White Castle
KFC
Cold Stone Creamery
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Cradle of Aviation Museum
Old Bethpage Village Restoration Go Back to the 1800s
Sagamore Hill Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House
Montauk Point State Park and Lighthouse History, Fishing, Scenery, and quiet hikes.
Montauk Downs State Park Creature comforts and games
Camp Hero State Park A military base with secrets!
Hither Hills State Park Camping on the beach
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Fire Island National Seashore and Lighthouse
Robert Moses State Park
Captree State Park Have fun fishing from party boats
Sagamore Hill Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House
Places to stay on Long Island
Wyndham Watch, LI Fine hotel, poor service
Marriott Hotel LI Great Location
Sheraton Hotel,LI Recommended
The greatest city in the world!!
New York City and so much more
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Mount Rushmore, Four Great Men Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln
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.Death Valley National Park Not so Hot
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.Everglades National Park A safari in Florida
Grand Canyon National park The North Rim
Virgin Islands National Park WOW !!!! But don't tell anyone about it.
Zion National Park Amazing diversity!
National Parks PassPort
.Collect National Parks
National Parks System
Our National Parks
An Excellent book about Long Island Destinations
Discover Long Island: Exploring The Great Places From Sea To Sound
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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