Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
PARK OVERVIEW
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York, preserves the house where Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 26th President of the United States on September 14, 1901, following the death of President William McKinley. McKinley was in Buffalo to attend the Pan-American Exposition when he was shot in the chest and stomach by avowed anarchist Leon Czolgosz on September 6th. He lived for eight days, dying on the 14th around 2 AM. Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo later that afternoon and was sworn in around 3:15 PM. The house chosen for the inauguration was owned by a friend of his, Ansley Wilcox.
Being an inner-city historical site, there are no house grounds to walk around, so the main activity available to visitors is touring the Wilcox House. There is a Visitor Center next door with an exhibit area that focuses on the Pan-American Exposition. Books, souvenirs, and tickets for the house tour can also be purchased here (online tickets are available was well).
For visitors looking for more activities in the Buffalo area, Niagara Falls is only a half-hour drive from Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Parking and easy access to views of both the Canadian and American falls is at Niagara Falls State Park. There is a fee to enter.
View of the American Falls from an observation deck at Niagara Falls State Park
View of Horseshoe Falls from an observation deck at Niagara Falls State Park
OPERATING HOURS AND FEES
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is open daily, with weekday hours from 9 AM to 5 PM and weekend hours from 11 AM to 5 PM. Tours of the Wilcox House start a half hour after opening and run every hour, with the last tour being at 3:30 PM. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the TR Inaugural Site’s Plan Your Visit web page. Current tour fees are also provided on this page.
The park is operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. Visitors with National Park passes of all types do get free tour tickets except during December when the Foundation has its major fundraising drive.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
Visitor Center
allow 30 minutes
Wilcox House Tour
allow 1 hour
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on March 1, 2025
