Meet Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was a boy who chose not to give up. As a kid, he loved reading, exploring the outdoors, and learning about animals. He was sick a lot, but he worked hard to make his body stronger. 

As he grew older, Teddy became many things. He was a rancher, explorer, author, soldier, and became the 26th President of the United States. He also worked to protect America's natural lands and animals.

Let's talk about Theodore Roosevelt's life and discover how a curious boy grew up to become one of the most well-known people in American history.

As a child, Teddy was smart and curious, but he was also often sick. He suffered from asthma, which sometimes made it difficult for him to breathe.

Instead of allowing his health problems to stop him, Teddy decided that he wanted to become stronger. 

The Boy Who Was Always Sick

His father encouraged him to exercise and take care of his body. Teddy began working hard to build his strength.

He spent his childhood reading books, studying animals, and learning about the world around him. Even when something was difficult, Teddy kept trying.

A Boy Who Loved Nature

Teddy Roosevelt loved animals. When he was young, he collected animals and plants so he could study them. He even created his own small natural history museum in his room.

Teddy loved learning how animals lived and how nature worked. He read books about science and spent time exploring the outdoors.

His curiosity continued to grow as he got older. 

Becoming Stronger

Teddy believed that he could make himself stronger through hard work. He exercised and spent time outdoors. He wanted to prove to himself that being sick did not mean he had to live a quiet life. Teddy also worked hard in school. He attended Harvard University and studied many different subjects. He loved learning about history, science, and nature.

Life Out West

After a difficult time in his life, Teddy traveled to the Dakota Territory in 1883. He had gone west to hunt bison, but he quickly fell in love with the wide-open land.

Teddy decided to stay and become a rancher. He built a ranch and spent time riding horses, caring for cattle, and exploring the Badlands.

Primary Source: Theodore Roosevelt at his ranch in the Dakota Territory. Library of Congress.