History and nature can be found together here on Theodore Roosevelt Island. Follow along the trail and discover just a few of the stories this park has to tell.
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Footbridge
People have used many different kids of transport to get to Theodore Roosevelt island. For many years people took the "Wood Duck" boat from the Virginia to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Boardwalk
The Potomac is a tidal river, which means that the water level rises and falls with the ocean tide. There have been times when the boardwalk you're standing on has been completely underwater! The Potomac River is connected to the the Chesapeake Bay which leads to the ocean.
Marsh
This is a fresh water tidal marsh. Marshes (or swamps) are areas that are saturated with water. Plants like grasses, rushes, and reeds can often be found in a marsh. Look for fish, frogs, birds, or maybe even a turtle!
Cypress
Cypress trees are easy to recognize from the "knees" that form above the roots. Cypress trees usually grow in swamps with just their knees visibile above the water line. Scientists aren't exactly sure of the the purpose of the knees, but they are thought to help cypress trees absorb oxygen from the air, and anchor the trees in strong wind.
Rocks
During the Civil War, the island served many purposes including: an army camp, training ground for the 1st U.S. Colored Troop Regiment, and a Freedman's Camp for people who escaped slavery. The men who appear on the rocks in this photo were members of the the Union Army during the Civil War.
Memorial
The island you're standing on is part of Theodore Roosevelt's living memorial. The 26th president loved nature and the 'hardy life'. The statue captures President Roosevelt in the middle of one of his many famous speeches. Find the "Nature" tablet and finish the quote below:
