An assassin’s bullet.
An unexpected inauguration.
A new age begins.
. . . right here in Buffalo, NY.

This summer, you have the opportunity to retrace those eight days in September 1901, from the time when President McKinley was shot at the Pan American Exposition through the swearing in of one of our nation’s most consequential presidents: Theodore Roosevelt.

In partnership with Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours, the TR Inaugural Site has created a motor tour of Buffalo that will weave its way through the streets of North Buffalo, the Elmwood Village, and downtown Buffalo, while sharing with riders the story of one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s history. You’ll learn about the anarchist who mortally wounded McKinley in the Temple of Music on the Pan-Am grounds and see the actual spot where the shots were fired. You’ll discover why McKinley was operated on at the Pan-Am Hospital and who was supposed to perform the surgery and didn’t. You’ll see where the private home stood in which McKinley stayed during his ill-fated convalescence. You’ll follow the path Vice President Roosevelt took from the Terrace Street train station to the Ansley Wilcox home at 641 Delaware Avenue where the oath of office was administered on Saturday afternoon, September 14.

EXTRA BONUS!  Before the bus tour, enjoy an exclusive video featuring rare historic images of the Pan-American Exposition, starting at 5:25 pm at the TR Site!

The approximately 90-minute tour will board the bus at the TR Site at 6:00 pm.

The monthly tours are priced at $35 per person or $30 for TR Site members. The cost includes free parking at the TR Site as well as a half-price admission coupon for two to take a guided tour of the historic house museum at a future visit (a $12 value).

• MEMBERS: Please call 716.884.0095 to make your reservation and receive your $5 discount!

Reservations are required and seating is limited. Upper deck seating will be filled first unless otherwise requested. Late sale tickets will be assigned to the lower deck once upper capacity is reached, so purchase your tickets today.

The upper deck is open-air, but does have a roof.

Tour will proceed rain or shine.

Accessibility & other details, from Buffalo Double Decker Tours:

“Our Leyland Olympian bus was born in England and has been lovingly upgraded for service in Buffalo, NY.   This means that the vehicle is safe, but does not necessarily have all the convenience features of modern buses.  There are seats upstairs and downstairs and they are offered on a first come first served basis. The bus is equipped with an excellent PA system so you should be able to hear your guide’s narration clearly.

“The roof of the bus is intact, however the upper side windows have been removed for an “open air” experience. In the case of rain, the bus is outfitted with roll down vinyl windows that are held in place with velcro.

“British buses of this age do not have A/C. If you want to sit atop, you must be able to navigate the 6 stairs that lead to the top level.

“In order to board the bus you’ll need to ambulate through the entrance which includes an 11 inch high step.”