Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm — Attraction in Weston

January 12, 2023 - How much do you know about Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter ? Currently Jimmy is 98 years old, and close to death, with his wife of over 75 years by his side. . . fascinating people, stop into Plains, Georgia ( small town of 575 residents) to learn more about these very humble people!

My wife and I lived through the turbulent 1970’s, when President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn were in the White House. As a former History teacher, I wanted to tour their Highschool, their local Baptist Churches, and Jimmy’s boyhood home here in Plains, GA . (It’s FREE, stop in !)

Two miles from the center of town, we walked through Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home. James Earl Carter Sr. & wife Lillian moved into this modest home in 1928, four years after Jimmy was born. . . this home had no electricity or running water. Jimmy was the oldest, with 2 younger brothers, and 1 younger sister.

It’s been restored, and now the Park Service operates this historic site. The family rented small tenement houses to Blacks in Plains. The Carter’s worked hard at operating a small store next to their home, selling farm produce and small merchandise. The store is open to the public. By 1938, Earl used wind power to supply water to their home. Then electricity was added.

I recommend adding the local Highschool as a stop to learn more about Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter, especially their life’s achievements! Good people who cared about those in their community & the world!

( I’ll write up a review on their Highschool)

Highlights of Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter*

1924 - Jimmy Carter was born

1941 - Valedictorian in Senior year

1945 - Dated Rosalynn Smith

1946 - Graduated from Naval Academy, Jimmy married Rosalynn

1953 - Resigned Navy, home to help family

1958 - Plains, GA votes for segregation, Carter fights against town’s policies

1963 - 67 Georgia State Senator

1971 - 1975 Governor of Georgia

1976 - Elected U.S. President Pushed for health care, seat belts, protecting wildlife in Alaska, link human rights with foreign policies, Cut dependence on foreign oil, Promote solar & wind power

1977 - Carter negotiated SALT II with U.S.S.R

1977 - Established Department of Energy

1977 - Solar Panels added to White House

1979 - Camp David Accords (Israel & Egypt)

1979 - Full diplomatic relations with China

1979 - Signs Panama Canal Treaty

1979 - Established Department of Education

1979 - Embassy in Iran seized with hostages

1980 - Reagan elected new President

1981 - Jimmy & Rosalynn join Habitat for Humanity ( low cost homes)

1982 - Carter Center seek solutions to world conflicts and problems

1986 - Carter Presidential Library & Museum

2002 - Carter awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Presently - Carter has written...

A very nice museum - Not fully open due to furlough (I assume) This is a nice visit if you want to understand the 39th President’s beginnings. Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Home in Plains, Georgia is surrounded by fields, farm buildings, and history that are still authentic. Despite a few logistical hiccups—the GPS sent us the wrong way, and the main parking lot was closed, likely due to the ongoing furlough—the visit was worth the detour. Parking was limited with only a gravel lot by the street, but manageable. We noticed some visitors arrived by train, which apparently stops right across the country road from the site, adding a touch of charm to the trip. Once on site, we walked around the well-preserved buildings. It really gives you a clear sense of how the Carter family lived and worked. Almost every structure—from the farmhouse to the barns and sheds—includes some type of interpretive signs sharing stories about family life, farm operations, and moments that shaped Jimmy Carter’s values. The country setting is peaceful, with enough space to wander and take in the rural simplicity that clearly influenced his character. It is not the most glamorous site but it is definitely worth a stop to understand where he came from in his journey...

Interesting piece of history about our 39th president of the United States upbringing and life. The train ride on the Historic Sam Shortline Railroad from Cordele GA to Plains GA and to the boyhood farm was fun and the day was well spent . The train offered a lite fare for purchase during our ride, which included hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks. The only cafe in town , Buffalo Cafe, served a variety of food, served fresh , hot, and was tasty as well. All in all it was an enjoyable, pleasant day for Lady Lavish and the Red Hatters! The farm operated by the Carter family is still in operation and well maintained. President Carters family boyhood farm and house situated 2.5 miles from Plains featured outdoor exhibits and an audio station in the home featuring President Carter sharing stories about his childhood. We sampled peanut ice cream and roasted honey peanuts grown and made in Plains at Bobby Slaters General Store. The peanut ice cream was amazingly delicious! This was a perfect day trip for anyone looking for educational, fun and relaxing...