Watford City in McKenzie County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Roosevelt and the Boat Thieves
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 21, 2015
1. Roosevelt and the Boat Thieves Marker
In the spring of 1886 thieves stole Theodore Roosevelt’s boat from his Elkhorn Ranch, 25 miles south of here. Roosevelt pursued the thieves past this point and captured them at the mouth of Cherry Creek about 24 miles downstream. He then marched the thieves overland to Dickinson where they were tried and convicted.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 47° 36.174′ N, 103° 26.504′ W. Marker is in Watford City, North Dakota, in McKenzie County. Marker is on Scenic Drive. Marker is located in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, at the Oxbow Overlook at the end of the tour road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watford City ND 58854, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Edge of a Glacier (approx. 0.7 miles away); Man and Grass (approx. 2.9 miles away); Building From Hard Times (approx. 3 miles away); The View that Launched a Park (approx. 3 miles away); Bentonitic Clay (approx. 3.2 miles away); North Dakota Badlands
this page online
Also see . . . Tracking Roosevelt's River Pirates. True West website entry (Submitted on August 15, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 21, 2015
2. Roosevelt and the Boat Thieves Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 21, 2015
3. Marker in Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park
TR Center Digital Library
4. Theodore Roosevelt and the boat thieves
When Roosevelt reached Dickinson and turned over his prisoners, the authorities asked why he didn't just shoot them rather than undertaking the long march.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 587 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
