When you first drive into Plains and take a look around, you understand why people across the country asked, “Jimmy who?” during Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. This quiet little town in southwest Georgia welcomes visitors with little fanfare and lots of old-fashioned charm. Hard to believe one of the world’s most well-known political figures was born and raised here.

As tourists pass by the business district, indications of Carter’s past appear: “Plains, Georgia – Home to Jimmy Carter, Our 39th President” announces a large sign over one shop; “Jimmy Carter Presidential Campaign Headquarters” announces another on the wall of the train depot; and, of course, there is the large brown sign proclaiming this area the “Jimmy Carter National Historic Site,” which was established in 1987 (www.nps.gov/jica/).

Yes, Carter’s hometown says it loud and proud: He’s one of us. And why not? Since his birth in 1924, Carter always has called Plains home. Despite time away with the Navy and during his gubernatorial and presidential terms, Carter always returned to Plains. After visiting his childhood home and learning about his upbringing, it is easy to understand why.

Plains Today

While more than 25 years have passed since Carter was elected president, not much has changed in this quiet town: a few buildings touted as the business district, tree-lined streets that border well-maintained yards, beautiful houses ranging from the Victorian-style home of The Plains Bed & Breakfast to the more modern bricked ranches, the noble steeple of the First Baptist Church.

Although the streets were crowded with thousands to celebrate Carter’s victory in November 1976, only a small handful actually resides here. Today’s population of 716 is only slighter higher than the 653 that lived here in 1975.

A Journey Back in Time

The oldest of four children, Jimmy Carter grew up on a farm just outside of Plains with his parents, James Earl Carter Sr. and Lillian Bessie Gordy Carter, two sisters–Ruth and Gloria, and brother, Billy. Visitors to the farm can peruse the house and grounds at their leisure. Throughout the property and buildings, information signs provide history on various sites. A wonderful surprise is the many audio programs located throughout the farm. At the press of a button, you can listen as Carter recalls various childhood memories.

Built in 1922, the Carters moved into their new home in 1928. The one-story clapboard house had no running water or electricity until 1938. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves provided heat during the winter. An outhouse stood out back. Pecan trees, which Carter’s mother harvested each fall and sold to earn household spending money, surround the house.

The house consists of a kitchen, informal dining room, formal dining room, living room, three bedrooms and one bathroom. Screened porches encompass the front and back of the house. An interesting feature of the bathroom is the showerhead, which was put up when indoor plumbing was installed. Comprised of a bucket with holes punched in the bottom, the faucet on the pipe controlled the water flow to the shower. Definitely a unique aspect!

Though known worldwide as a peanut farmer, Carter and his family raised and sold more than just peanuts. Another major cash crop for the family was cotton. Also, Carter’s father ran a commissary on the farm grounds. Located a short distance from the house, the J.E. Carter & Company store was open every Saturday, selling items such as sugar, gloves, cigarettes and gasoline.

Other structures around the property have been reconstructed to replicate the original buildings on the Carter farm. The steel windmill, blacksmith shop, milking barn, pump shed and main barn are similar to the original structures that once stood on the grounds. The original harness shed contained the various harnesses, tack and even buggy the Carters used on a regular basis.

Between the house and the commissary is a tennis court of Georgia red clay. While growing up here, Carter learned to play the game with his father, and the court was the site of many exciting matches. Carter continues to enjoy the sport today.

Although the home was sold after Carter left for college, walking the grounds of Carter’s boyhood home, it’s not hard to understand why he returns to this area as much as possible. The peaceful serenity that wraps itself around visitors makes it hard to leave.

As a teenager, Carter attended Plains High School, the official State School of Georgia. Today, the high school serves as the visitor center and museum for the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. Exhibits include films, history on Plains and history on Carter. The school is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

Stay for a While

Though it may seem like there is not a lot to do in Plains, once you start visiting the various attractions of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, you will be amazed at how time flies. To make the most of your visit, plan to stay a day or two to enjoy your trip to the fullest. A great way to bring your trip together is a stay at The Plains Inn.

Located at one end of the business district, the inn encompasses the top floor of two end buildings. The oldest building of the two, constructed in the 1890s, once housed the Oliver-McDonald Company. In 1910, the end building was constructed and housed Ross Dean's Funeral Home. In fact, the hand-drawn elevator used to raise caskets and cadavers to the second floor is still operational, though not used today.

The inn contains seven suites, each representing a period in Carter’s life, as well as a community kitchen. Guests also can sit back and relax in one of the rockers on the upstairs balcony. The beautiful hardwood floors and brick walls make guests feel like they are in the home of close friends or family. Each room features large full or queen beds, sitting areas and private bathrooms. www.plainsinn.net