Medora in Billings County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The President Returns
Theodore Roosevelt first came to the badlands in September 1883 to hunt buffalo. “Old Four Eyes” loved the life of the badlands’ cowboys and participated in roundups, brandings and social events, earning the respect of those he so admired. He became enamored with the area. He invested in two cattle ranches, the Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn, which he maintained until 1898.
After he left North Dakota, Roosevelt led the legendary Rough Riders up San Juan Hill, and became vice president in 1901. Within months he became president when William McKinley was assassinated.
Although he had lost a great deal of money in his ranching enterprise, he later described the North Dakota experience as “the romance of my life,” and often said “I would never have been President had it not been for my days in North Dakota.”
As president, Theodore Roosevelt returned to Medora once on April 8, 1903. A public reception was held in the old Medora Town Hall, and a photograph taken (below).
Friends Roosevelt made in and around Medora during his ranching days turned out in large numbers to greet the local cowboy who made it to the White House. Roosevelt was one of them, and they never forgot the encounters shared in the North Dakota Badlands. Roosevelt’s experiences in the badlands influenced his conservation efforts as president. Theodore Roosevelt National Park was created in 1947 to recognize those contributions.
(Marker Number 29.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1903.
Location. 46° 54.835′ N, 103° 31.488′ W. Marker is in Medora, North Dakota, in Billings County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west on Broadway. Marker is located in a small park next to the Old Town Hall Theater. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Medora ND 58645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roberts Hall (here, next to this marker); Medora Town Hall (here, next to this marker); Margaret Roberts (within shouting distance of this marker); Medora Education (within shouting distance of this marker); De Mores (within shouting distance of this marker); Medora Depot & Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Custer Trail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Medora Stage and Forwarding Company (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medora.
More about this marker. A photograph in the center of the marker depicts a formal gathering welcoming President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Other photographs show “President Theodore Roosevelt speaking from a train” and an enthusiastic crowd welcoming President Theodore Roosevelt to Medora in 1903.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 1, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.