09/06/2026
On September 6th, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt attended the annual Vermont Fish and Game League luncheon at Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain. Despite its calling card, the Vermont Fish and Game League dabbled in politics just as much as wildlife. Around 1:30pm, 1,000 of the most well-known Vermont Republicans would gather for dinner and comradery. After dining, Roosevelt became an honorary member of the organization, marking the beginning of the evening's speeches. Around 5:30pm, Roosevelt would retire to Lt. Gov. Nelson W. Fisk’s home where he would receive troubling news. President William Mckinley had been shot while greeting the public at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo New York only an hour before. Hearing the president might survive, Roosevelt felt his presence was still needed as he left for Buffalo around midnight.
Post 1/4. Stay tuned to see what happens next! This story will continue on September 10.
Image: Library of Congress Free Use Collection
Alt Text: A black and white image of President William McKinley. He is dressed in a black suit and black bow tie with a white collared shirt.
Sources:
https://vtdigger.org/2021/08/29/then-again-theodore-roosevelts-vermont-visit-took-a-dark-turn/
https://www.adirondack.net/history/midnight-ride/