The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt: A Presidential Library in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, is often celebrated for his dynamic leadership during the Spanish-American War and his transformative presidency from 1901 to 1909. However, behind this formidable figure lies a profound connection to the North Dakota Badlands—a relationship that nurtured his adventurous spirit and deep love for the natural world.

A Celebration of Connection: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

As we approach the 106th anniversary of Roosevelt’s passing, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation is gearing up to honor this bond between the man and the land. The foundation plans to construct a state-of-the-art presidential library on over 90 acres overlooking Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the only national park dedicated to a person.

Rooted in Values

The design of the library is inspired by Roosevelt’s core values of citizenship, leadership, and conservation. This isn’t an ordinary library; it’s conceived as an engaging space that blends technology with the natural splendor of North Dakota. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library aims to immerse visitors in a narrative that encourages outdoor experiences akin to those Roosevelt cherished.

The foundation envisions the library not simply as an educational institution but as a vibrant community hub. Utilizing innovative storytelling techniques and cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality, the library will be a space where visitors of all ages can explore the invaluable life lessons derived from Roosevelt’s journey.

A Message of Inspiration

Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, emphasizes the library’s purpose in a statement: “TR famously balked at the critic and encouraged everyone to ‘get in the arena’ of life.” O’Keefe, a North Dakota native, aims for the library to become a center for civic engagement, learning, and research. A large auditorium envisioned within the library could serve as a venue for future presidential debates, infusing contemporary political discourse with Roosevelt’s spirit of robust engagement.

North Dakota’s Role in Roosevelt’s Journey

Roosevelt’s profound experiences in North Dakota were pivotal to his development as both a man and a president. He moved to the North Dakota Badlands in 1884, seeking solace after the simultaneous deaths of his wife and mother. In this rugged landscape, he rediscovered strength amid solitude and forged a deep connection with nature—a relationship that would define his future actions and policies.

Reflecting on the importance of this period, Roosevelt once stated that he “would not have been president had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.” O’Keefe reinforces this sentiment, noting that the library will be an experiential learning center, unlike any conventional museum filled with artifacts behind glass.

Transformative Experiences through Nature

The intended mission of the library includes connecting visitors to what Roosevelt referred to as the “strenuous life” of the North Dakota wilderness. O’Keefe envisions that every guest walks away understanding how vital nature was to Roosevelt’s existence and how it can inspire societal change today. “This museum can be a platform for embracing civic dialogue, thoughtful debate, and inspiration around the globe,” he adds.

Environmental Commitment

In 2022, after receiving approval from Congress and then-President Donald Trump, the foundation purchased land for the library from the U.S. Forest Service, situated near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and his historic Elkhorn Ranch. True to Roosevelt’s conservation ideals, the library will emphasize sustainability in its construction, utilizing local materials and minimizing waste and energy consumption.

The design, orchestrated by the U.S.-Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, prioritizes harmony with the surrounding landscape. The structure features an earthen roof that flows with the local topography, while its natural environment is integrated with native plants and grasses aimed at restoring local biodiversity.

Progress and Anticipation

As construction progresses, pictures shared by the foundation reveal a library filled with light and natural materials, setting the stage for a transformative visitor experience. A circular hiking trail will encircle the building, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape and reflect on their own lives in connection with Roosevelt’s legacy.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is slated to open on July 4, 2026—an auspicious date marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

A Family Legacy and a Broader Message

Theodore Roosevelt V, the great-great-grandson of President Roosevelt, supports the library project, asserting that it not only ensures a lasting legacy for North Dakota but also contributes to national and global discourse. He asserts that Roosevelt’s principles of citizenship, leadership, and conservation hold relevance today: “When you focus on people interested in solutions rather than divisive rhetoric, it becomes clear that there is much more that unites us than divides us.”

Conclusion: Embracing the Past, Inspiring the Future

Roosevelt’s life was emblematic of contradictions—he was a Republican yet a progressive, a capitalist yet a crusader against monopolies, a conservationist who relished hunting. The enduring message of his legacy, encapsulated in the upcoming library, is clear: as a nation, we are multifaceted, and finding common ground despite our differences might well steer America toward a united future.