After or before you’re witnessing the heroic efforts of all the participants of the annual Adirondack Canoe Classic “90-Miler,” take time to visit Newcomb.

The Adirondack Park plays an important part in the history of the United States, from the Great Camp culture to its land preservation. Newcomb is the area that began Teddy Roosevelt’s historic ride from Mount Marcy to the Tahawus Club to the North Creek Depot.

You can’t host Teddy Roosevelt Weekend without a visit with TR.  Roosevelt impersonator Joe Wiegand will once again be on hand to meet visitors and talk about the midnight ride that made a president.

When President McKinley was shot on September 6 at the Buffalo Pan-American Exhibition in 1901, Roosevelt was told to continue with his Adirondack holiday so as to not alarm the public regarding McKinley’s condition.  Roosevelt was on Mount Marcy when word reached him that McKinley was not going to recover from his wounds. After returning to the Tahawus Club, Roosevelt was told that McKinley was dying. Just before midnight, Roosevelt raced along what is now Route 28 changing wagons three times before reaching the Newcomb train depot. There a telegram waited, notifying him that McKinley had died and making Roosevelt president. Roosevelt took the official oath of office in Buffalo.

The packed Saturday schedule starts with a pancake breakfast with plenty of other opportunities to dine while learning more about the local history. The day ends with a firework display at the Newcomb Overlook. Sunday’s schedule continues with tours of Santanoni and open house at ESF’s renovated former Huntington Great Camp on Arbutus Lake.

Teddy Roosevelt Weekend, September 7-8, is hosting a variety of activities showcasing Roosevelt’s Adirondack connections. Free lectures, wagon rides, a Running of the Colors Fun Run, guided hikes up Goodnow Mt, and floatplane rides are just a few of the planned events.