Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt
Photo of Theodore Roosevelt by Adam Cuerden
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was one of the most adventurous and energetic leaders in American history! He was known for his love of the outdoors, his bravery, and his larger-than-life personality. But did you know these six fun and little-known facts about him?
1. He Had a Pet Badger
Roosevelt and his family loved animals, and their White House was filled with unusual pets. One of the most surprising? A pet badger named Josiah! It was given to him as a gift, and Roosevelt’s children would carry it around the White House!
2. He Was Blind in One Eye—Because of a Boxing Match
Even as president, Roosevelt loved to stay active. He enjoyed boxing in the White House until one match with a younger opponent left him blind in one eye after a punch! Instead of stopping sports, he switched to judo and became the first U.S. president to earn a brown belt!
3. He Inspired the Teddy Bear
Ever wonder why stuffed bears are called teddy bears? It’s because of Theodore Roosevelt! After he refused to shoot a tied-up bear on a hunting trip (because it was unsportsmanlike), a toymaker created a stuffed bear in his honor. The name "Teddy Bear" stuck, and now millions of kids have one!
4. He Gave a 90-Minute Speech After Being Shot
In 1912, while running for president again, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by an assassin before giving a speech. Instead of stopping, he delivered his entire 90-minute speech anyway! He later joked, “It takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose!” referring to his strong-willed personality.
5. He Explored the Amazon Rainforest
After leaving the presidency, Roosevelt traveled to South America and explored a dangerous, uncharted river in the Amazon Rainforest. The journey was so extreme that he caught a severe infection and nearly died—but he made it out and had a river named after him: Rio Roosevelt!
6. He Was the Youngest U.S. President Ever
Roosevelt became president at 42 years old, making him the youngest person to ever hold the office! (John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected president, but Roosevelt took office early when President McKinley was assassinated.)
