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“I hope to pay one last visit to the ranch, with little Ted, who will then be nearly eleven; and I shall think of you very often, riding over the immense rolling plains, with their mat of short, sun-scorched grass; for it has always seemed to me that we two felt those plains as no one else I have ever seen does,” wrote Theodore Roosevelt to Patty Selmes in 1897.
Established by an Act of the First Territorial Legislature on November 7, 1864, the Arizona Historical Society (AHS) is Arizona’s oldest historical agency. The items in their collections illuminate Roosevelt’s relationship to the Great Plains, as well as his connections to the Selmes, Greenway, and Ferguson families. Isabella Greenway was the first U.S. congresswoman in Arizona history, as well as the daughter of Patty Selmes. The Selmes family called North Dakota home.
Materials in this collection include correspondence from Gutzon Borglum regarding the creation of Mount Rushmore, letters examining national politics, as well as items relating to the history of the Rough Riders. Most importantly, this collection shows the value Roosevelt and his family placed on developing and preserving relationships over a lifetime.
See below to view items from this collection.
Theodore Roosevelt jokes that one day’s rest in seven is enough. He hopes to see John Campbell Greenway in Bisbee, Arizona, next spring.
Arizona Historical Society
1910-08-16
Theodore Roosevelt will be unable reach Bisbee, Arizona. He outlines his itinerary and asks if John Campbell Greenway can meet him in El Paso, Texas, and continue to Mexico and Arizona.
Arizona Historical Society
1910-12-08
Theodore Roosevelt thanks John Greenway for a letter sent from Mr. Congdon and expresses how he was touched by it. Roosevelt reflects at length on his involvement in recent political events, the Taft administration, and his general political philosophies and goals.
Arizona Historical Society
1910-12-10
President Roosevelt introduces John Campbell Greenway who will be visiting Panama. Roosevelt requests that Greenway be allowed to inspect the work being done on the Panama Canal.
Arizona Historical Society
1907-11-27
President Roosevelt acknowledges an article sent to him by John Campbell Greenway. He has found someone suitable for the commissionership of the General Land Office in Richard Achilles Ballinger.
Arizona Historical Society
1907-01-30
President Roosevelt sent John Campbell Greenway’s kind letter to Secretary of War William H. Taft. He asks if Greenway has seen his letters on the Moyer-Haywood business. Roosevelt is accustomed to being assailed, and minds it very little.
Arizona Historical Society
1907-05-07
Theodore Roosevelt will be unable to stay at Gilbert Christian Greenway’s home, or any private home, due to the potential for hurt feelings. Roosevelt looks forward to seeing Greenway and met with his son, John Campbell Greenway, two weeks ago.
Arizona Historical Society
1910-07-15
President Roosevelt summarizes his autumn travel plans. He would like John Campbell Greenway to meet him and John Avery McIlhenny in New Orleans, Louisiana, and then travel to Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arizona Historical Society
1905-06-12
President Roosevelt describes his recent activities with Fitzhugh Lee and Gordon Johnston. John Campbell Greenway will have to vote for someone else in 1908 and Roosevelt believes the nominee will be Secretary of War William H. Taft. He will be unable to visit Minnesota but invites Greenway to stay a few days at the White House.
Arizona Historical Society
1906-08-11
President Roosevelt requests notice if John Campbell Greenway is coming to Washington, D.C., so room can be found at the White House for him. Roosevelt shot a Virginia wild turkey on Saturday.
Arizona Historical Society
1906-11-05
Governor Roosevelt is concerned about John Campbell Greenway’s health and requests that his brother, Gilbert Christian Greenway, send an update. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt has returned from Cuba where she had a splendid time.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-03-29
Governor Roosevelt expresses his happiness that John Campbell Greenway and his brother, Gilbert Christian Greenway, are feeling better. He has been busy with bills and will not be able to see Greenway before his departure.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-05-01
Governor Roosevelt expresses his appreciation for a telegram sent by John Campbell Greenway. John Avery McIlhenny will be visiting on Sunday and Roosevelt wishes Greenway could be there too.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-11-09
Governor Roosevelt sends his regards for John Campbell Greenway’s health. He conveys his children’s concerns about Greenway, and notes that they sent flowers with notes enclosed in the box.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-03-17
Governor Roosevelt sends his hopes for John Campbell Greenway’s improved health. Roosevelt states that there is little to write to Greenway about, except “petty and irritating fusses” related to local measures. Roosevelt also expresses regret that he cannot see Greenway while he is in New York City to open the Military Review, and relays the Roosevelt children’s concern for Greenway.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-03-26
Card addressed to John Campbell Greenway and Gilbert Christian Greenway Jr., with love from Ethel, Kermit, Ted, and Alice Roosevelt.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-03
Governor Roosevelt sends wishes for Gilbert Christian Greenway, Jr.’s recovery, and that Gilbert and John Campbell Greenway may go home soon. He encloses three letters from the eldest Roosevelt children and believes the Greenways are made of “good stuff.”
Arizona Historical Society
1900-04-14
Governor Roosevelt inquires about John Campbell Greenway’s health after an operation. He sends his regards for Greenway’s quick recovery.
Arizona Historical Society
1900-04-04