The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has opened in Medora, North Dakota, situated within the state's Badlands. Designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the 96,000-square-foot, $500 million facility is intended to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings, featuring a low profile and expansive glass walls that reflect the landscape. The library is notable for being accessible by horseback.
Charlie Melcher, the library's creative director, stated that the location was chosen for the power and intensity of the Badlands, which he described as "nature concentrated." The library aims to convey a sense of humility and connection to the universe, contrasting with other presidential library projects that have drawn recent public attention.
A Refuge and a Legacy
Roosevelt, a naturalist, sought solace in the North Dakota Badlands after experiencing a personal tragedy in 1884, losing both his mother and wife on the same day. He established the Elkhorn Ranch in the area, where he ran cattle and gained the respect of local cowboys. Roosevelt himself said, "I never would have been president if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota. It was here that the romance of my life began."
Roosevelt, born in New York City, became a national hero before his presidency, leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. His political career advanced as he served as Governor of New York and then Vice President before becoming the 26th President of the United States in 1901. During his time in office, he pursued antitrust actions, expanded federal power, and was a significant conservationist, creating national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges that protected over 230 million acres.
A Controversial Statue Finds a Home
The library's grounds will eventually house the Theodore Roosevelt equestrian statue that once stood outside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The statue was removed in 2020 following demands from activists who cited concerns about its portrayal of Roosevelt on horseback with Native American and African men on foot. The statue was transported to North Dakota under the cover of night and is currently stored in a protected facility in Dickinson, awaiting its permanent placement at the library.
Private Funding and National Impact
Unlike most presidential libraries that operate under the National Archives and Records Administration, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is privately funded and operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. After years of planning and initial proposals in New York, Congress transferred 90 acres of federal land to facilitate the construction in North Dakota. Library CEO Ed O’Keefe noted that gaining support, particularly from figures like New York Senator Chuck Schumer, involved careful consideration.
The library features immersive exhibits, including recreations of Roosevelt's New York townhouse and Elkhorn Ranch, as well as research and educational facilities. Among its inaugural displays is a collection of artifacts from a 1912 assassination attempt on Roosevelt, including the blood-stained speech manuscript, his eyeglass case, and the bullet that struck him. Visitors can also explore digitized documents and artifacts from the foundation's collection.
Despite the excitement surrounding the library's opening, some local ranchers have expressed concerns about land use and potential disruptions to their operations. However, others in the small town of Medora, population 133, anticipate a positive impact on tourism and local businesses. The library's opening coincides with America's 250th anniversary.