Friends of Sagamore Hill

Friends of Sagamore Hill We are a heritage-minded group dedicated to preserving and protecting Theodore Roosevelt's home in Oyster Bay on Long Island.

In mid June, 1898, the Rough Riders, had a very close call with disaster! The Yucatán, which was the transport ship of ...
06/16/2026

In mid June, 1898, the Rough Riders, had a very close call with disaster! The Yucatán, which was the transport ship of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry to Cuba, nearly collided with another Spanish American War transport, the Matteawan. The amazing photo above was taken aboard the Matteawan during the near collision.

What made the situation extra precarious, was the fact that the Yucatán was carrying 35,000 pounds of dynamite in her bow. The Matteawan, which was resting at anchor (while en route to Cuba) suddenly spotted a ship, coming through the mist, directly at it. It was the Yucatán, and it was steaming full speed ahead towards the bow of the Matteawan.

When about two hundred feet away, it is said the Yucatán finally appeared to be under control, as she violently dropped anchor off starboard and veered hard left to avoid collision. She finally came to a full stop, a mere three feet away from the Matteawan! Instead of being unnerved by the situation, the men whose threshold for danger and adventure seeking was so high, made light of the situation - with a number of them climbing the railings to board each other’s ships and give one another a round of hand shakes, hearty laughs, and pats on the back.

Ultimately, it was discovered that the Yucatán suddenly had developed a compromised steering apparatus. If not for some quick thinking from the captain of the ship, it’s very likely the Rough Riders and Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt would never have gotten the chance to fight in the Spanish American War 🇺🇸🇪🇸

Photo: The Yucatán steaming towards the Matteawan in near collision June 1898

Source: spanamwar.com

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June 6, 1944 will always be remembered as a pivotal day in history. The Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, ...
06/07/2026

June 6, 1944 will always be remembered as a pivotal day in history. The Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France to break the stronghold of the Axis forces during World War II. It is simply known as D-Day. We honor those men who fought bravely and gave their lives for what is good and righteous.

An often forgotten hero of that day was Theodore Roosevelt Jr. It was in many ways the defining moment of his life. He also served in World War I, alongside his brothers. But, in World War II, Brigadier General Roosevelt, was one of the first to come ashore at Utah Beach, France.

Armed with only a pistol and a cane, he came under heavy enemy fire, as he heroically led his troops of the 8th Infantry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion up the beaches. His fellow soldiers recalled later, his calm and humorous demeanor while in action, as inspiration for them moving forward. ⁣
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At 56 years old, he was the oldest man deployed in the landings that day, and the highest ranked officer. He knew the degree of hardship they’d face this day, and was hoping to use his rank and seniority to lead his fellow troops by example. Initially, his request was denied by higher command, but they reversed course and his wish was granted.

He unfortunately succumbed to a heart attack on July 12, a little over a month later in France, but he left an everlasting legacy. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously because of his valiance on D-Day. ⁣ Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is buried next to his brother Quentin, who died in World War I, at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. ⁣

Photo: Allied Forces coming ashore in Omaha Beach after June 6, 1944
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Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs⁣
(Va.gov)⁣ deptvetaffairs ⁣

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If you haven't put June 20 on your calendar yet, be sure to add this "bully" event!! We cannot wait. Be sure to send me...
06/02/2026

If you haven't put June 20 on your calendar yet, be sure to add this "bully" event!! We cannot wait. Be sure to send me a DM if you have any questions. 🥃🥃

The are very excited to officially announce our next event in partnership with , as we celebrate . Join us on Saturday...
05/26/2026

The are very excited to officially announce our next event in partnership with , as we celebrate . Join us on Saturday, June 20 at LI Spirits Distillery for an unique and fun event commemorating the launch of the Rough Riders "Daiquri Beach Series" Bourbon and the Rough Riders historic June 22 landing in Cuba during the Spanish American War.

They will be pouring not only the delicious "Daiquri Beach Series" Bourbon which is finished in rum casks, but the entire line of Rough Riders Bourbon, special Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Riders, and Spanish American War themed cocktails, and more spirits from . And we will specially have on tap that day too; which for anyone not familiar pairs beautifully with the Rough Riders Bourbon line.

The will of course be greeting guests and we will have a large variety of TR, Rough Riders, and Spanish American War themed items. Artwork, hot sauce, commemorative glasses, and a variety of authentic period memorabilia will be available for sale and raffle. Note that proceeds from our events go directly to supporting Sagamore Hill National Historic Site's many projects, and the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt; and of course allows us to host exciting events such as this.

And of course what would a Rough Riders event be without "The Colonel" himself! Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and General "Fightin' Joe" Wheeler re-enactors will be joining us for photos, and some good old fashioned entertainment. It will be a genuine "bully" time!

So be sure to add June 20 to your calendar, the event is open to the public, no tickets or RSVP needed. Send us a direct message or comment below if you have any questions. See you then!


“Quentin’s mother and I are very glad that he got to the front and had the chance to render service to his country and t...
05/26/2026

“Quentin’s mother and I are very glad that he got to the front and had the chance to render service to his country and to show the stuff that was in him before his fate befell him.”

- Theodore Roosevelt July 17, 1918 after learning of his son’s death when his plane was shot down near Chamery, France during World War I

In the following days, the Roosevelt family received condolences from the commander of the American forces, General John Pershing. Even President Woodrow Wilson, who had feuded with Theodore Roosevelt for years, put aside their differences to offer his heartfelt sympathies.

On this Memorial Day, we remember the fallen and those that have given their lives in service to this country. We give our full gratitude 🙏 and are thankful to those who have made those sacrifices. The United States of America would not be afforded the wonderful freedoms we have today without you! 🇺🇸

Photo: Quentin Roosevelt in military uniform, 1918

Source(s):

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On May 18, 1904, the famous Perdicaris Affair occurred in Tangier, Morocco. Greek-American Ion Perdicaris and his steps...
05/19/2026

On May 18, 1904, the famous Perdicaris Affair occurred in Tangier, Morocco. Greek-American Ion Perdicaris and his stepson were kidnapped by Mulai Raisuli and his group of nomadic bandits. Raisuli, the leader of several tribes demanded a $70,000 ransom, safe conduct, and control of two of Morocco’s wealthiest districts from Sultan Abdelaziz.

Born in Greece, but growing up in New Jersey, Perdicaris was an American citizen. This led President Theodore Roosevelt to intervene on his behalf in Morocco. TR ended up dispatching seven warships and several Marine companies to Tangier in reaction. A famous slogan and statement was issued by John Hay, the Secretary of State, on behalf of the President at the Republican National Convention that year. One that some of you may be familiar with:

“This government wants Perdicaris alive or Raisuli dead!”

Those words may be known from the 1975 movie “The Wind and the Lion” starring Sean Connery and Brian Keith, based on the Perdicaris Affair of 1904. In the film, Connery plays Raisuli, with Brian Keith in the role of Theodore Roosevelt. It’s worth it alone for the TR boxing scenes, but it’s a fun movie, and I’d highly recommend the film!

In the end, these events resulting in a show of force by TR, only increased his strong image as a “Cowboy not to be messed with”, and helped him win the 1904 election. As for Perdicaris, he and his son were released unharmed, and Raisuli also escaped unscathed being paid the ransom by the Moroccan Sultan.

To view some some fun movie clips of “The Wind and the Lion” be sure to check out our story 💨 🦁

Photo: TR in the White House circa 1904

Source(s):

On May 17, 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt concluded his three day camping trip in Yosemite with the naturalist John M...
05/18/2026

On May 17, 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt concluded his three day camping trip in Yosemite with the naturalist John Muir. It was indeed the camping trip that changed America, and the future of conservation.

During this camping trip the men saw many iconic spots in Yosemite, including Mariposa Grove, where they had spent their first night. And in the vicinity of Sentinel Dome, where they spent the second night, and awoke to a snow storm.

The third night of camping though, truly gave Muir the chance to talk openly of the need for preservation of Yosemite to the President. They spent the night at Bridalveil Meadow in Yosemite Valley, and Theodore Roosevelt was essentially Muir’s captive audience! Here, during their campfire discussion, Muir made a plea for further forest preservation of the area, but also the need for the California state grant of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove, to be ceded to the United States for inclusion in the Park.

And Muir’s pleas would prove successful! In June 1906, the Yosemite Recession Bill was signed and the areas of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa were placed under federal protection. In closing, we’ll leave you with a quote from John Muir on his beloved Yosemite:

“Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society. Nowhere will you find more company of a soothing peace.”

Photo: Roosevelt and Muir at Glacier Point in beautiful Yosemite in May 1903

Source(s):

#1903

It's a day late, but on May 10, 1898 with the specter of war in sight, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevel...
05/12/2026

It's a day late, but on May 10, 1898 with the specter of war in sight, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt resigned from his post. Many in authority questioned his decision, but he knew this was now his chance to prove his mettle on the battlefield.

In the weeks prior, Roosevelt had petitioned Secretary of War Alger to allow him to form a volunteer regiment. Although TR had three years of experience as a captain in the National Guard, he deferred the leadership to his good friend, and war hero, Colonel Leonard Wood. Together they sorted through over 23,000 applications as they began recruiting the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, otherwise known as the Rough Riders.

Theodore Roosevelt’s fame and personality turned him into the de-facto leader of this rag tag group of cowboys, hunters, native Americans, polo players, and college athletes. And with that, the legend of “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders” was born - even though they weren’t immediately called by that name.

By May 10, most of the regiment had actually arrived at their training camp in San Antonio, Texas. And the cowboys and college men were already mixing it up, with a growing mutual respect for each other despite the vastly different backgrounds. But, they all eagerly awaited the arrival of their Lieutenant Colonel, Theodore Roosevelt. Their official training would begin only five days later, when TR arrived in San Antonio.

Photo: Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt during an early uniform fitting before his deployment to Cuba in the Spanish American War, 1898

Source(s):

#1898

On May 5, 1910, Theodore Roosevelt stopped in Oslo, Norway, on his return trip from Africa, to belatedly make his Nobel ...
05/05/2026

On May 5, 1910, Theodore Roosevelt stopped in Oslo, Norway, on his return trip from Africa, to belatedly make his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Unable to be in Norway in December 1906 during the original announcement, he would not miss the chance this time around!

This moment is significant, as it was one of the great honors of TR’s life. He was justly rewarded for successfully negotiating the Treaty of Portsmouth, which he had successfully brokered over many months in 1905. This resulted in the call to end the Russo-Japanese War.

Interestingly, during his Oslo speech, Roosevelt publicly first made the call for “A league of peace with international police power.” Such an idea was considered way too radical by European newspapers at the time, and a Europe that was actively preparing for war as a whole.

Photo: The National Theater in Oslo, Norway, where TR made his acceptance speech May 5, 1910

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I wanted to give a big thanks to everyone who turned out on Saturday for our unveiling of the historic rocking chairs ! ...
04/28/2026

I wanted to give a big thanks to everyone who turned out on Saturday for our unveiling of the historic rocking chairs ! The weather certainly wasn't ideal, as it was quite cold and rainy, but it was wonderful to see the chairs at their rightful home. TR and the Roosevelt family would concur 😊

And we'd also like to send thanks to anyone who helped with setup and spoke at the event, such as the rangers at Sagamore Hill; plus anyone who has so graciously donated to us, to help pay for important historic projects such as this, that help to bring Sagamore Hill to life for the public. We could not do this without you. Sagamore Hill is the beautiful time capsule that it is today, and constantly improving because of your care and interest in our Mt Rushmore President of Oyster Bay, Long Island.

If interested in donating more to projects such as this or you'd like to join the fun and active community, which is the Friends of Sagamore Hill organization, be sure to follow the link in our bio. "Bully"!!

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20 Sagamore Hill Road
Oyster Bay, NY
11771

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