Follow the Roosevelt Trail
Some say the Maine woods — and Bill Sewall — helped shape the man who would become America's 26th President and one of its greatest conservationists.
Andy Vietze
Down East’s February issue includes an in-depth examination of Teddy Roosevelt’s early experiences in Maine. For an adventure fit for a president, check out some of Roosevelt’s favorite stomping grounds that have become iconic Maine landmarks:
The Sewall House, Island Falls
Now a yoga retreat, the home that Bill Sewall built is still in the center of Island Falls. And the third floor is still a study devoted to the friendship of Roosevelt and his Maine Guide. Photographs and paintings of the pair are found all over the house. www.sewallhouse.com.
Bible Point State Historic Site
Every day during his sojourn at the side of Mattawamkeag Lake, Theodore Roosevelt would take his Bible to a spot of land at the confluence of West Branch Mattawamkeag and First Brook to read quietly. The state has since made the twenty-seven acre parcel a historic site. Access is limited. For more information visit http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_name.pl and type in Bible Point.
Mount Katahdin
Now part of Baxter State Park, Maine's highest peak has changed much since Teddy Roosevelt climbed it in his slippers. www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
Aroostook River — Munsungan Lakes
There is still some great paddling to be done on the Aroostook River in the Munsungan area. Try the Libby Camp to Oxbow Landing route, seventeen miles of Class I fun.
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Reader Comments:
Aside from the treks with Sewall that are written about here, does anyone know how many times TR came to Maine in later life?
I know he's been to Portland at least once because there's a famous photo of TR and Thomas Brackett Reed in front of Reed's house at the corner of Deering and State Streets.
I think the photo may have run in a story DOWN EAST did on Czar Reed a few years ago.
James V. Horrigan
Portland
The rail line TR took from Massachusetts to Mattawamkeag during his +-three trips to see Sewall in Island Falls passes through Portland, then to Freeport, Brunswick, Augusta, Waterville, Newport, Bangor, Orono and on up to Mattawamkeag (where he offloaded). That would place him in Portland at least three times in his early years (which might have been a stopover).
The rail line crosses Back Bay next to the Interstate Highway bridge and was the line used to take Joshua Chamberlain (another hero) to Brunswick and back during his days in Portland and upon his death in Portland in 1914.
Word also has it that Theodore Roosevelt did visit Poland Springs (hotel) during his life although I'm uncertain of the details.
WHH (TR fan) Portand, Maine
I visited the Sewall House this past summer for a yoga retreat and was surprised to learn about TR's connections to Maine and the Sewall family. I can absolutely understand why TR and others have visited northern Maine for rest and rejuvenation over the years. My visit not only included great yoga (and delicious food!) but also outdoor adventures on Lake Mattawaumkeag and Mount Chase. It was the most naturally beautiful and unspoiled place I'd ever visited! I'd thoroughly recommend a visit to northern Maine and Sewall House to anyone.
Brian - Hightstown, NJ