He grew up in a house with no bathroom, in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. After being President of the United States, he came back and lived in the same small ranch house he and Rosalynn built themselves in 1961. When he died, he was buried in his front yard.
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia tells 100 years of history — from birth to death — of two people who never stopped asking what more they could do. Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger, joins The Parks Podcast to share what you’ll find there, why it’s worth a full day (at least), and what this place teaches us about what it means to actually live your values.
A note from Missy: I went, intending to stop for an hour. I stayed all day. The boyhood farm alone — a working farm set in 1937, with President Carter’s own voice telling his stories when you push the button — made me feel like I stepped back in time. This is one of those parks that stays with you. And don’t forget to stop for some peanut butter ice cream. I can’t wait to go back.
Episode Guest
Jennifer Hopkins — Lead Education Ranger
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park nps.gov/jica
About Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park protects the story and legacy of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter — from their birth in Plains, Georgia through 100 years of history, including their post-presidential work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. The park was originally designated as a National Historic Site on December 23rd, 1987 and redesignated as a National Historical Park in 2021. It is one of only a few presidential parks that spans a president’s entire life, including their private home and burial site. The Carter Gardens, which include the burial site of both President and Mrs. Carter, are open to the public.
Show Notes & Links
- Jimmy Carter National Historical Park — nps.gov/jica
- NPS app — download for park alerts and maps
- Andersonville National Historic Site — nps.gov/ande (neighboring park — plan a full weekend)
- The Carter Center — cartercenter.org
- Plains Peanut Festival — September annually
- An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter (President Carter’s memoir of his childhood in Plains)
- First Lady from Plains by Rosalynn Carter (Mrs. Carter’s memoir — she talks about coming back to Plains)