Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
Overview
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter learned the importance of hard work, honesty, virtue, love and mercy in the quaint, rural town of Plains, Georgia. Working as full partners, the Carters have dedicated their lives to peace, human rights and public service throughout the world. Come explore the community that influenced and shaped the life and values of the 39th President of the United States. The national historic site is made up of several different locations. Visitors can begin there visit at the Plains High School serves as the park museum/visitor center.
Activities
Auto/Motorcycle
Please contact the park for information on auto/motorcycle tours.
Historic Sites
There are several locations to visit but the 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 Plains Train Depot contains a self-guided museum with exhibits focusing on the 1976 Presidential Campaign. It served as a train depot from 1888 to 1951, when passenger service to the area was discontinued. The building was opened in 1976 as Jimmy Carter's Presidential Campaign Headquarters and during that time approximately 10,000 people a day came to Plains to find out about candidate Carter. Many state primary victories, as well as the presidential victory, were held in the streets around the depot.
Finally visitors can conclude there visit at the Boyhood Farm, owned by Earl Carter, Jimmy's father, from 1928 until the late 1940's. Jimmy Carter lived on the farm from the age of four until he departed for college. The farm is restored to its appearance before electricity was installed in 1938. As you stroll along the walking path, visitors can stop and read the wayside exhibits at various points along the way. Visit the boyhood home and explore the other buildings on the farm. Stop by the large barn to greet the goats and Francis, the mule.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are available on site for visitors convenience.
Seasonality/Weather
Located in southwest Georgia where the climate is typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Temperatures range from a low in the mid 30's in the winter months to a high in the mid to upper 90's in the summer months. Along with the high temperatures during the summer months, the humid conditions add another 5 to 10 degrees to the heat index. Wear comfortable clothing for the season and bring clothing for the possible extremes. The Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Directions
Driving
From Atlanta (North) Take I-75 South towards Macon. Take exit #177 onto I-475 South towards Valdosta. I-475 will bypass Macon and reconnect with I-75 South. Take I-75 to exit #112 (GA-27) towards Vienna. Continue NW on GA-27 (Union Street) for 1.1 miles then turn left on GA-27 and continue for 25 miles to Americus. In Americus, GA-27 connects with US-280 West and becomes a three lane one-way road. Move into the center lane and stay there until the road ends at US-19. Turn left onto US-19 South/280 West and travel in right hand lane. At the second traffic light turn right onto US-280 West/GA-27 West and proceed 10 miles to Plains. At the flashing caution light, turn right onto North Bond Street. The Plains High School (Visitor Center/Museum) will be on your right.
From Atlanta on Interstate 85 Take I-85 South and bear right onto ramp at exit 21 to I-185 South (GA-411 S, Chet Atkins Pkwy). Continue on I-185 S (GA-411 S, Chet Atkins Pkwy) and bear right onto off-ramp at exit 1A to US-27 S (US-280 E, GA-520 E). See directions from Columbus to Plains below.
From Columbus (West) Take GA-520 South/US-280 East from Columbus to Richland. In Richland, turn left onto US-280/GA-27 East and travel about 10 miles to Preston. Continue on through Preston another 10 miles to Plains. In Plains at the flashing caution light, turn left onto North Bond Street. The Plains High School (Visitor Center/ Museum) will be located on your right.
From Savannah (East) From Savannah take I-16 West for about 126 miles to exit #39 towards Cochran/Montrose. Turn left on GA-26 and travel about 17 miles to Cochran. Continue to follow GA-26 South for about 38 miles then bear left on GA-49 South and go 16 miles to Americus. In Americus GA-49 becomes US-280 West, a three lane one-way road though town. Move into the center lane and continue through Americus until the road dead ends at US-19 South. Turn left onto US-19 South/280 West and travel in right hand lane. At the second traffic light turn right onto US-280 West/GA-27 West and proceed 10 miles to Plains. At the flashing caution light, turn right onto North Bond Street. The Plains High School (Visitor Center/Museum) will be on your right.
From Valdosta (South) From Valdosta take I-75 North to exit #101 towards Cordele. Turn left onto US-280 West towards Americus. Continue on US-280 West for about 30 miles to Americus. In Americus US-280 becomes a three lane one-way road. Move into the center lane and continue through Americus until the road dead ends at US-19 South. Turn left onto US-19 South/280 West and travel in right hand lane. At the second traffic light turn right onto US-280 West/GA-27 West and proceed 10 miles to Plains. At the flashing caution light, turn right onto North Bond Street. The Plains High School (Visitor Center/Museum) will be on your right.
From Tallahassee, FL Take I-10 East to Exit 225 (SR-57 N, Florida-Georgia Pkwy). Take US-19 North ramp and turn left onto US-19 North. Continue on US-19 North until you reach Albany, Georgia. Turn onto ramp for US-19 North (GA-3, Slappey Blvd) and continue North to Smithville, Georgia. Continue on US-19 North through Smithville to GA-308. Make a left turn onto GA-308 and continue on GA-308 until you reach Plains, Georgia. At the caution light in Plains, continue through the light and the Visitor Center/Museum will be on the right-hand side.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(229) 824-4104Links
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