The Big Stick: Teddy Roosevelt Speaks at Idaho University

“Ex-President Theodore Roosevelt visits the University of Idaho to give a speech and plant a tree,” read an article from Moscow, Idaho’s Daily Argonaut in anticipation of his April 9, 1911, visit to town.

Even though he had visited Idaho twice before, President Theodore Roosevelt’s spring 1911 visit to the state was no less elaborate and momentous. His escort through Moscow, Idaho, could barely get to his hotel as the streets were so packed full of excited spectators. After arriving at his hotel and indulging in an informal Sunday dinner with “a small party of political officials,” Roosevelt appeared grandly at the University of Idaho the following morning, April 9, 1911. From breakfast in Ridenbaugh Hall with about 80 of the school’s finest, “university faculty, several prominent citizens and government officials, and the presidents and secretaries of the various classes of the university” Roosevelt was “escorted by the Grand Army Corps, carrying the American flag, and by a company of the University cadets” and saluted by the students until he arrived in front of the administrative building. A crowd Roosevelt estimated to be about 20,000 gathered to hear his address.

The setup for Roosevelt’s speech was unusual. The Administration building’s front doors were stacked with what seemed to be sandbags but were in fact sacks of wheat. This was a nod to northern Idaho’s agricultural industry. It made for a striking image as the adventurous former president climbed and spoke from the top of the pile. His 45-minute speech urged Idaho to “follow the rest of the West in progressive legislation.” Roosevelt was preparing to run for his 3rd term as the Progressive Party (also nicknamed the Bull Moose Party) candidate. He continued that, “true government by the people once obtained and improperly used, would work out for us, not salvation, but damnation.” After concluding, the crowd witnessed Roosevelt planting a tree on the university’s lawn. Still standing today, with a placard label, Roosevelt’s Colorado Blue Spruce is a reminder of Roosevelt’s 1911 visit and his views on forestry, the outdoors, and conservation. Speech and tree-planting concluded, Roosevelt made his way to the train station and departed Moscow by 10:30 AM.

This particular visit to the University of Idaho made a special impact through symbolism and memorabilia. Reflecting on the University’s motto, “For the training of Idaho's future citizens to their highest usefulness in private life and public service” Roosevelt said he admired the ideals that were expressed and that “the pioneer spirit is still the proper spirit, but with it we must prepare to meet new conditions.” His tree planting stunt helped those present remember the importance of the conservation of natural resources. With its presence standing tall on campus today, it serves as a reminder for the current generations to be good farmers and good citizens.

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