In 1913, former president Theodore Roosevelt agreed to go a ‘delightful holiday’ tour of the Amazon region. But once there, he couldn’t resist the urge to do something bigger and bolder. The result would be the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition – an attempt to trace the path of a recently discovered river called the Rio da Dúvida – aka the River of Doubt – to the Amazon Basin.
Episodes
Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt – Part 1
In part one of our series, we do some background Roosevelt – and the events leading up to him traveling to South America. We examine the key people involved, including Cândido Rondon – the Brazilian officer who would co-command the expedition. We get the team to South America, and started on their journey towards the mysterious River of Doubt.
Download this episode or listen online.
Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt – Part 2
In part 2 of our series, the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition head across the Brazilian Highlands to the headwaters of the River of Doubt.
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Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt – Part 3
Teddy Roosevelt, Cândido Rondon and the rest of the team begin their descent of the River of Doubt. And it will quickly become apparent that the journey is not going to be an easy one.
Download this episode or listen online.
Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt – Part 4
In the final part in our series on the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition, the team struggles to get past the rapids while Teddy Roosevelt – wracked with malaria and an infected leg – fights for his life.
Download this episode or listen online.
Maps
Photos
Resources
River of Doubt, Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey, by Candice Millard. Fabulous take on the expedition. Highly recommend.
Through the Brazilian Wilderness, by Theodore Roosevelt. This is Roosevelt’s take on the expedition. Read it online for free.
This History Channel page has a nice summary of the expedition plus photos.
Wikipedia links:
Explorers Podcast 