Theodore Roosevelt Becomes One of the First Presidents Filmed: A Movie History Moment on May 12
May 12 is a fun and “movie-star” day in U.S. presidential history — it’s the date in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt’s trip to San Francisco was captured on moving-picture film!
A cameraman named H.J. Miles filmed President Roosevelt riding in a big parade in his honor. The short movie was called The President’s Carriage or similar titles. This made Teddy Roosevelt one of the very first presidents to have an official activity recorded on film — something we take for granted today with videos and phones!
Back then, movies were brand new and exciting. Seeing the energetic president waving and smiling on the big screen helped people feel closer to their leader. Teddy loved adventure, and this film showed him in action during one of his famous cross-country trips.
If you’re learning about early movies, cool presidents, or how technology changed the way we see leaders, this May 12 event is a lively one to know!
Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? Quick Bio for KidsTheodore Roosevelt (everyone called him Teddy or TR) was the 26th President of the United States (1901–1909). He was the youngest president ever when he took office at age 42. He grew up in New York, loved nature, animals, and sports, and was a tough soldier who led the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War.As president, Teddy was famous for:
- Creating many national parks and protecting nature (he’s called the “Conservation President”).
- Building the Panama Canal.
- Fighting big companies that weren’t fair (called “trust-busting”).
- Saying “Speak softly and carry a big stick” — meaning be kind but strong.
What Happened on May 12, 1903?
- President Roosevelt was on a big train trip across the western United States.
- In San Francisco, a huge parade was held to welcome him.
- Cameraman H.J. Miles filmed Roosevelt riding in an open carriage, waving to the cheering crowds.
- The short film was shown in theaters around the country — people were amazed to see their president “moving” on screen!
- It was an early example of presidents using new technology to connect with everyday Americans.
Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt and May 12 for Kids
- Teddy was the first president to ride in an automobile and the first to fly in an airplane (later in life).
- He loved boxing, wrestling, and hiking — even when he was president!
- The film of his 1903 trip is one of the earliest surviving presidential motion pictures.
- Teddy once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
- His kids had a pony named Algonquin that they rode in the White House elevator!
What do you think? Would you want to watch an old movie of President Teddy waving in a parade? Or would you like to be a president who tries new inventions?
