The Adirondack Path to the Presidency
The Night Ride of Theodore Roosevelt — September 1901
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Teddy Roosevelt Weekend 2026
The 125th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Night Ride to the Presidency” marks a pivotal moment in American history—when a journey through the Adirondacks became the beginning of a presidency.
Through community events, education, and shared storytelling, this commemoration honors Roosevelt’s connection to this region and preserves a story that continues to echo far beyond it. |
This year, Friday, Sept. 14th marks the 100th [now the 125th] anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt becoming our 26th president when President McKinley died a lingering death from gunshot wounds.
Vice President Roosevelt was visiting the Adirondacks with his family at that time. Roosevelt was up on the Marcy Trail near Lake Tear of the Clouds when he was summoned to return to Washington. Shortly after midnight he began his long journey by buckboard from the Tahawus Club in the Town of Newcomb. Harrison Hall, an Adirondack guide, took the news to Mr. Roosevelt that President McKinley had worsened, then brought him out for the “midnight ride to the presidency.” He first rode away with David Hunter. After the first ten miles, Orrin Kellogg drove Roosevelt nine miles to Aiden Lair where they arrived at 2:00 a.m. Then Mike Cronin took over for the last leg of the journey to North Creek, about sixteen miles where they learned that the President was dead. Roosevelt then boarded a train headed for Buffalo where he was sworn in as 26th president at the age of 42. The year was 1901. He served until 1909 and died at the age of 60 in 1919 |
