Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

A few quick facts: Established in 1987, the 71-acre historic site in Plains, Georgia commemorates the 39th President of the United States. The site includes President Carter’s residence, boyhood farm, school, and the railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. The Plains High School serves as the park’s museum and visitor center. The Jimmy Carter National Preservation District includes part of the town of Plains and the surrounding area.

How to Get to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site:

The park is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Albany, GA and 120 miles south of Atlanta, GA.

Things to Do at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site:

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
Situated three miles outside of the town of Plains in the community of Archery, the Boyhood Farm was Jimmy Carter's home from the age of four until he departed for college. The 360-acre farm is restored to its appearance in 1937 before electricity was installed. It was owned by Earl Carter, Jimmy’s father, from 1928 until the late 1940s. The National Park Service now maintains 17 acres which includes the boyhood home and commissary. Other facilities are restored and reconstructed such as the barn, buggy shed, pump house, tennis court, tenant houses, and blacksmith shop. The park also includes a new entrance road and sign, parking area, comfort station, walking trails, and exhibits.

Plains High School/Visitor Center
Located on north Bond Street in Plains, Plains High School serves as the park museum/visitor center. Visitors find a restored and furnished classroom, principal’s office, and auditorium; other rooms feature exhibits that explain the Carters' lives in Plains, including political and business careers, education, family, religion, and post-presidency. The story of the park is told in a 25-minute audio-visual presentation in the auditorium and through the site brochures. The museum also includes an audio-visual tour by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter of their house. Children ages 7 to 12 may expand their experience at the park by participating in the Junior Ranger Program, earning a special badge and certificate. The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Plains Depot - 1976 Carter Presidential Campaign Headquarters
The building contains a self-guided museum with exhibits focusing on the 1976 Presidential campaign. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It served as a train depot from 1888 to 1951, when passenger service was discontinued. The building was opened in 1976 as Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Campaign Headquarters. During the 1976 campaign, approximately 10,000 people a day came to Plains to find out about the candidate Carter. Many state primary victories, as well as the Presidential victory, were held in the streets around the depot.The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. For further information, call 229-824-4104.

Contact Information:

Nearby National Parks and Scenic Routes:

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