Theodore  Roosevelt grew up in a wealthy family in New York City.  He was one of four children.  He was home schooled by his parents and tutors until he entered Harvard College in 1876.  After graduating from Harvard, Theodore entered Columbia Law School until he left in 1881 to run for the New York State Assembly.  Theodore became a New York State Assemblyman and wrote more bills than any other New York State Legislator.

Theodore was married twice.  He worked as a historian, as the New York City Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary to the Navy. and as a Colonel.  He was elected New York State Governor in 1898 and then became Vice-President of the United States for six months in 1901.  He was elected President of the United States in 1901 and held the office until 1909.

 Theodore Roosevelt believed in the conservation of our natural resources.  His conservationist beliefs originally prohibited him from having a Christmas tree.  Roosevelt was concerned about the long term effects of the use of our countries natural resources.  Roosevelt toured many wilderness areas throughout our country and worked with others such as John Muir and Gifford Pinchot to establish protected wilderness areas. 

As Governor of New York State, Roosevelt banned the use of feathers on any type of clothing.  He did so in an effort to prevent the slaughter of certain species of birds. He won the support of hunters and fishermen through the protection and management of wild game, and the preservation of wild spaces.  

"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself," Roosevelt proclaimed. "Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." 

Roosevelt's accomplishments as a conservationist are significant. They include the creation of:

• The First National Park (Crater Lake, Oregon)
• Five National Parks during his presidency
• Four Big Game Refuges,
• Fifty-one National bird Reservations
• The National Forest Service
• Co-founded the American Bison Society

Roosevelt created over 200 national forests, national monuments, national parks and wildlife refuges.

Roosevelt set aside more land for national parks and nature preserves than all of the previous Presidents combined, (194 million acres).

Roosevelt created 42 million acres of national forests, 53 national wildlife refuges and 18 areas of "special interest", including the Grand Canyon.

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands to commemorate his conservationist philosophy.