Georgia’s presidential connections

Georgia is in presidential fashion with ties to three U.S. presidents, home to the oldest voter for Obama, at the grand age of 106 as well as a descendent of the Wanderer, the original ship which brought the Africans to the land back in 1858.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta (in partnership with Emory University) reveal the secrets of the only native Georgian elected president. Open to the public daily, the museum includes photos and memorabilia from Carter’s presidency, an exact replica of the Oval Office, gifts received by the Carters while in the White House and permanent exhibits of significant events during his life with timeless photographs and insightful interpretations.

Eighty five years ago the south Georgia town of Plains witnessed the birth of Jimmy Carter and where, his boyhood farm has been restored to document the childhood and life of Americas 39th president. As the Governor of Georgia, Carter proved himself a forward thinker and revealed his progressive stance on civil rights. Also at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is the Rosalynn Carter Gallery, highlighting the life of the once-shy girl from Plains and giving visitors a glimpse into the presidency through the eyes of the First Lady.

Woodrow Wilson had strong ties to Georgia before he was elected the 28th President of the U.S. He spent many of his formative childhood years in Augusta, practiced law as a young man in Atlanta, married his first wife in Savannah and witnessed two of his three children born in Gainesville. The boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated “Save America’s Treasures” site.

Falling in between Carter and Wilson on a timeline is the only US president to be elected to more than two terms: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a strong connection to Georgia during his later years, as the 32nd president. He visited the state more than 40 times in two decade before he passed away at his Little White House in southwest Georgia town of Warm Springs. Visitors can tour Roosevelt’s home.

Carter, Wilson and Roosevelt all influenced and were influenced by Georgia. Their legendary accomplishments and historic greatness inspire and encourage to this day. In 2005, Home Box Office filmed the movie Warm Springs in the town after which it was named and received 16 Emmy nominations for their portrayal of Roosevelt’s Georgia connection. The state has also played a more recent role in presidential politics, hosting 2004’s G8 Summit on Sea Island, with a permanent exhibition dedicated to the summit at the A W Jones Heritage Center at the St Simons Island Lighthouse.

For more information, log on to Exploregeorgia.org.