Part 1, Chapter 1 Greatheart's Circle Summary

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough traces the early life of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. McCullough examines Theodore's love of the outdoors, his health problems, and his family relations. He also discusses Theodore's time at Harvard University, his first marriage, and his entrance into politics. These experiences helped shape and influence Roosevelt's later years, as President of the United States and other political positions.

In 1869, six people, excluding servants, lived at 28 East 20th Street in New York City. Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. was the head of the household and a thirty-seven-year-old importer and philanthropist. Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, or Mittie, was thirty-three. The four children, all born in the house, ranged in age from fourteen to seven. Anna, more commonly known as Bamie, was the oldest. Theodore, Jr., called Teedie (which was pronounced to rhyme with T. D.), was ten...