What Is Jimmy Carter National Historical Park?
This park preserves the boyhood farm, high school, and campaign headquarters of the 39th president, Jimmy Carter!
What Makes It Historical?
Jimmy Carter grew up on his parents’ farm in Archery, GA, where they grew corn, cotton, peanuts, and sugar cane, and ran a store! Here, he learned how to play clay court tennis and how not to treat Black folks from his father, Earl!
Both Jimmy and his future First Lady, Rosalynn, attended Plains High School, graduating in 1941 and 1944 respectively. Plains High School was home to one of Georgia’s first female superintendents, Ms. Julia Coleman, whom the president elect would later quote in his inaugural speech: “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles!”
Mr. Carter served in the Navy from 1946 until 1953, the Georgia state senate from 1963 until 1967, and as governor of Georgia from 1971 until 1975! During this time, he danced a delicate line between pushing for civil rights advances and alienating his conservative allies!
In 1976, the Jimmy Carter campaign for president launched out of the oldest building in Plains, the Plains Depot! While 10,000 people came to Plains every day to learn about a then-obscure candidate, Mr. Carter’s strategy was to campaign as quickly and widely as possible, introducing himself to new areas before any other candidate could! It worked, and Jimmy Carter became the 39th president on January 4, 1977!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park!
- Donate to Jimmy Carter National Historical Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Boyhood Farm:
- 402 Old Plains Hwy
Plains, GA 31780
Plains High School:
- 300 N Bond St
Plains, GA 31780
Plains Depot:
- 100 Main St
Plains, GA 31780
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, except in winter when it’s closed Wednesdays and Thursdays! The Depot Museum is open from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM, and the farm is open from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM!
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