Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo New York

On September 6th, 1901 the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, was shaking hands with people at the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo New York.  He was shot by mad man Leon Czolgosz.  He would die 8 days later on the 14th.

His Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt was called to Buffalo.  He was sworn in on the day McKinley died.  The Oath of office was done inside of the Ansley Wilcox House.

It was a very non-traditional event, as photographers were not allowed to take photos (they were kicked out of the room).  Also, a Bible was not used.

The home is now managed by the National Park Service, and they give tours.

A very nice fellow named Jan gave us our tour.  There are several displays on the Exposition where the shooting occurred.  I really enjoyed seeing the trinkets sold at the event.

The home was still ornate and lovely.  Of course, the main attraction is the room where the actual oath of office was taken.  That room is a very cozy library.

We talked to Jan for some time after the tour about Presidential sites, specifically relating to Teddy.  This was probably our favorite place we visited in Buffalo.  This is a great historic site and we really enjoyed it.

Not too far away is a rock in the middle of a street marking the site where President McKinley was shoot (see bottom photo).  The area once used for the Expo is now a residential area.