Theodore Roosevelt and the National Park System

As part of the Era of Theodore Roosevelt, a Gilder Lehrman online course, Professor Bruce Schulman of Boston University visited the Gilder Lehrman Collection to view stereo-cards of Theodore Roosevelt. In the video below, Professor Schulman explains the origins of Roosevelt’s famous appreciation for and desire to conserve America’s natural resources and the ways in which he helped redefine the role of the president as a “steward of citizens’ general welfare” by establishing the first national park system.

Check out the stereo-cards of Theodore Roosevelt out in nature discussed by Professor Schulman in the video:

"Luncheon among the Forest Giants--Presidential Party at Big Tree Grove, Santa Cruz, Cal.," by Underwood & Underwood, 1901 (Gilder Lehrman Institute)

"President Roosevelt, Governor Brodie, and Party, at the Grand Canyon, Arizona," by Underwood & Underwood, 1903 (Gilder Lehrman Institute)

"President Roosevelt and His Distinguished Party, before the 'Grizley Giant' Big Trees of California," by Underwood and Underwood, 1903 (Gilder Lehrman Institute)