Macarthur Park in Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Roosevelt Visits Little Rock
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Roosevelt Visits City Park
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 10, 2018
1. Roosevelt Visits Little Rock Marker
On October 25, 1905, Theodore Roosevelt became only the second sitting president to visit our state. His visit was a key stop on a southern tour following the election of 1904 in which he was elected easily but failed to win any states of the former Confederacy. Arriving by train in Argenta, Roosevelt met with prominent Arkansans during his visit. Little Rock welcomed the president with a crowded parade down Main Street ending with a public ceremony on these grounds.
After a 21 gun salute atop Fort Logan Roots, a mounted honor guard of former Union and Confederate veterans escorted the President's party into City Park (now MacArthur Park) by way of the 10th Street entrance. South of this marker, Roosevelt addressed a crowd of 30-35,000 citizens. He spoke extemporaneously on current issues such as conservation, railroads, civic pride and bluntly attacked the crime of lynching by criticizing Arkansas Gov. Jeff Davis and his racist views.
Erected 2011 by Members of the Theodore Roosevelt Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1905.
Location. 34° 44.251′
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Regionally, this marker is in the Quapaw Homeland. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Camden Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); Douglas MacArthur (within shouting distance of this marker); United Spanish War Veterans Tribute (within shouting distance of this marker); MacArthur Park World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of United Spanish War Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Colored Troops in Arkansas in the Civil War / 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry Regiments (within shouting distance of this marker); The Little Rock Arsenal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Arsenal Crisis (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Rock.
Other markers no longer nearby. In Memory of David O. Dodd (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Story of David O. Dodd (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 10, 2018
2. Roosevelt Visits Little Rock Marker looking north toward the MacArthur History Museum.
Photographed by Ashley Sides, February 24, 2025
3. Roosevelt Visits Little Rock / Roosevelt Visits City Park Marker
The marker is seen here in its current location at the MacArthur Museum (as of 2025).
Public domain, 1904
4. Theodore Roosevelt, a year before his visit.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,018 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on February 25, 2025, by Ashley Sides of Little Rock, Arkansas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Ashley Sides of Little Rock, Arkansas. 4. submitted on April 15, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
