New Madrid in New Madrid County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
President Theodore Roosevelt
Photographed by Nathanial L. Bock, June 12, 2026
1. President Theodore Roosevelt Marker
President Theodore Roosevelt's 1907 inspection trip down the Mississippi River was a moment of celebration for communities, especially in New Madrid.
Boarding the steamboat Mississippi No. 1, operated by the Mississippi River Commission, on Oct. 1, 1907, in Keokuk, Iowa, Roosevelt spent the next day in St. Louis. The Mississippi No. 1 with Roosevelt aboard departed at 5 p.m. amidst the blowing of whistles and leading a grand flotilla of steamboats.
As the presidential flotilla continued down the river, every town along the route was decorated and people lined both banks in hopes of catching a glimpse of the nation's 26th president. When the steamboat arrived at about 6 p.m. Oct. 3, the citizens of New Madrid arranged a special gift for Roosevelt.
Leaving the large crowd gathered along the riverfront, New Madrid Mayor Matt J. Conran, Jr. was taken by boat to present the President with a cake and floral arrangement from the children and the women of the community.
Erected 2026 by City of New Madrid Tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications
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Location. 36° 35.01′ N, 89° 31.819′ W. Marker is in New Madrid, Missouri, in New Madrid County. It is on Levee Road east of Capitol Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Madrid MO 63869, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Missouri Bootheel. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Mississippi Delta, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. 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, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mark Twain (here, next to this marker); The New Madrid Earthquake & The Steamship New Orleans (a few steps from this marker); They Passed This Way (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Water Route to Indian Territory (about 400 feet away); The King's Road (about 500 feet away); New Madrid (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Bankhead (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bissell's Submergible Saw (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Madrid.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by Nathanial L. Bock of New Madrid, Missouri. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Nathanial L. Bock of New Madrid, Missouri. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
