Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in 1882 at Springwood, the family estate, located in Hyde Park, New York.

He was educated at the finest schools and made remarkable early advances in politics. At age 38, he was the Democratic nominee for Vice President.

But early success was followed by a devastating personal setback. In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from below the waist. His political career seemed over yet Roosevelt would wage a courageous battle to come to terms with his disability and make a triumphant return to politics.

In 1932, he was elected President of the United States. As President, he led America out of the greatest economic depression in its history and guided the Allied Powers to victory in World War II.

Roosevelt served three full terms as President but died suddenly three months after his fourth-term inauguration! He is buried in the rose garden at Springwood.

Springwood, pictured above, served as the “Summer White House.” King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) stayed here as did Winston Churchill!

 The Franklin D. Roosevelt Library is the only Presidential library ever used by a sitting president. Pictured above is his office which he used as a place to conduct government business and from where he made several of his famous radio speeches, or “Fireside Chats.” 

Note the wheelchair. This was designed by Roosevelt himself where he used a basic chair welded to a framework which enabled him to move around easily – he had them located all over the Springwood property.