Theodore Roosevelt’s watch found after being stolen in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A piece of history stolen nearly four decades ago from Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural site in Buffalo has been returned to its rightful place, thanks to the help of some local experts.

This week, the 26th president’s silver pocket watch was put back on display at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Long Island after it went missing in July 1987.

The watch was on a six-year loan at the inaugural Buffalo site when it was taken.

According to the National Park Service, the watch was worn by Roosevelt at several notable moments in his life, including when he attacked San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

The pocket watch was given to Roosevelt in 1898 by his sister and brother-in-law before he left for war, as shown in a letter on display at Sagamore:

“Dear Corinne, you could not have given me a more useful gift than the watch; it was just what I wanted… Thanks old Douglas for the watch – and for his many, many kindnesses. »

In a Facebook post, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo thanked its staff and volunteers who allegedly helped authenticate the watch, which had been missing for 37 years.

The FBI’s Art Crime Team that worked on the case said in a press release that the watch was stolen by an unknown person and passed through several hands before ending up at a Florida auction house last year.

After being contacted by the auction house owner, the National Park Service and the FBI confirmed that it was the same watch stolen in Buffalo.

The watch was officially returned to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on June 27, 2024 and placed back on display.

Roosevelt lived in Sagamore from 1885 until his death in 1919. According to the National Park Service, while he was in office, the 83-acre site was often referred to as his “Summer White House.”

“The stories this watch could tell over the past 126 years include colorful and profound moments in American history,” said Jonathan Parker, superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.

In a press release, the National Park Service added: “Nearly 40 years have passed since the public last saw President Roosevelt’s watch and we are pleased to bring this watch back into the spotlight and exhibit to the public. »