Military & Warriors · 20th Century
Theodore Roosevelt’s Last Words
“Please put out the light.”— Theodore Roosevelt, January 6, 1919
Who Was Theodore Roosevelt?
Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president in American history. A conservationist, trust-buster, and war hero, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and shaped American progressivism.
The Final Moments
Roosevelt's last words were spoken to his valet James Amos at Sagamore Hill, his home in New York. He had been suffering from various illnesses and died quietly in his sleep that night.
Are These Words Verified?
Roosevelt's valet James Amos directly witnessed and reported these words, which were confirmed by contemporary newspaper accounts. The account is well-documented and uncontested.
Sources
- firsthand James Amos (valet) firsthand account
- newspaper Contemporary news reports, January 1919
- biography Edmund Morris, Colonel Roosevelt (2010)
Legacy
Roosevelt established the national parks system and his Big Stick diplomacy shaped American foreign policy for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Theodore Roosevelt’s last words?
“Please put out the light.”
How did Theodore Roosevelt die?
Theodore Roosevelt died on January 6, 1919 at the age of 60. Cause of death: Pulmonary embolism.
Were Theodore Roosevelt’s last words documented?
Roosevelt's valet James Amos directly witnessed and reported these words, which were confirmed by contemporary newspaper accounts. The account is well-documented and uncontested.
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