Teddy Roosevelt & Mount Rushmore

On this day in 1919, the 26th President of the United States died. Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was a larger than life figure whose accomplishments spanned exploration, conservation, science, sports, the military and politics. During the Spanish American war in 1898, Roosevelt organized the Rough Riders, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, and became a war hero, being awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his famous charge up San Juan Hill. He was elected as Governor of the state of New York and then vice-president under President McKinley. Upon McKinley's assassination in 1901, Roosevelt became the youngest president to ever hold office at the age of 42. Consistently ranked as one of the United States' great presidents, Roosevelt's image appears on Mount Rushmore next to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.

A trip here to the Dakota “Badlands” gives you glimpse of the old West. Many folks package a trip here when they are traveling to the western US. The Dakotas and the states of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado have spectacular scenery and interesting national parks.