7 Surprising Facts About Jimmy Carter's Simple Plains, GA Home (And What's Now Open To The Public In 2025)

The unassuming ranch house at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia, is far more than just a home; it is the physical embodiment of the simple, humble life of the 39th U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. As of December 10, 2025, the property, now officially known as the Jimmy Carter House, Memorial Garden & Gravesite, holds a profound new significance following the passing of President Carter on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, and his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023. The latest updates from the National Historical Park confirm that while the residence is currently closed for renovation, a newly opened section now welcomes visitors from around the world to pay their respects and learn about the Carters' enduring legacy.

This modest, 4,000-square-foot structure in Sumter County, GA, was the only home the Carters ever owned, having built it in 1961. Today, it stands as a monument to post-presidential public service and a life dedicated to humanitarian work through The Carter Center. The property is now a central piece of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which preserves the rural Southern culture that shaped one of America's most unique political figures.

President Jimmy Carter: A Brief Biographical Profile

James Earl Carter Jr. was a towering figure in American and world history, known for his political career and his unprecedented decades of post-presidency humanitarian efforts.

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• Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
• Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia.
• Died: December 29, 2024, at age 100, in Plains, Georgia.
• Wife: Rosalynn Smith Carter (married 1946; died November 2023).
• Military Service: U.S. Navy (left the service in 1953 after his father's death).
• Political Career Highlights: Served as a Georgia State Senator, 76th Governor of Georgia (1971–1975), and the 39th President of the United States (1977–1981).
• Post-Presidency: Co-founded The Carter Center in 1982, focusing on global health, democracy, and conflict resolution.
• Awards: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of tireless effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

The Modest House on Woodland Drive: Closed But Profound

Unlike the sprawling estates often associated with former U.S. presidents, the Carter family home at 209 Woodland Drive is famously modest. It is a simple, single-story ranch house that the Carters built themselves after he left the Navy and returned to Plains.

The home's unassuming nature reflects President Carter's commitment to a simple life, a principle that resonated throughout his political career and his humanitarian work. Its estimated value was often cited as being far below that of other presidential residences, a detail that frequently surprised visitors and the media.

The Current Status of the Carter Residence

Visitors planning a trip to Plains, GA, must note the current status of the residence. As of the current date, the actual home at 209 Woodland Drive is not open to the public.

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The National Park Service (NPS) has indicated that the residence is undergoing necessary renovations and preservation work. The long-term plan, in accordance with the Carters' wishes, is for the home to eventually open to the public as part of the National Historical Park, allowing visitors to experience the simple lifestyle they led.

For now, the site is a poignant landmark, visible from the road but protected from direct public access to ensure its preservation for future generations.

The Newly Opened Carter Gardens: A Place of Final Rest and Reflection

The most significant and recent update for visitors is the opening of the Carter Gardens section of the property. This area is now publicly accessible and serves as the final resting place for both President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

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Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023, and President Carter followed in December 2024. Both were laid to rest in a memorial garden adjacent to their long-time home, a location they chose to remain close to the community they loved.

Visiting the Gravesite and Memorial Garden

The Carter Gardens and gravesite are managed by the National Park Service and offer a quiet, reflective space for visitors. This area fulfills the Carters' wish that their final resting place be accessible to the public, inviting people to experience the simple, natural beauty of their Georgia home.

The memorial garden is a powerful symbol, allowing tourists, historians, and admirers to connect directly with the legacy of the former President and First Lady. It is a key stop on any tour of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.

Exploring the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

The Carter residence is only one part of a larger historical landscape that captures the entire scope of Jimmy Carter’s life, from his childhood to his presidential campaign. To gain a full understanding of the 39th President, visitors should explore the other key entities within the National Historical Park.

Key Sites Open to the Public:

• The Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm: Located a few miles outside Plains, this site is a fully restored and operational farm where Jimmy Carter grew up. It provides a vivid look at rural Southern life in the 1930s and 1940s, complete with original buildings and exhibits.
• Plains High School: Now the official Visitor Center for the National Historical Park, this is where both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter attended school. It features extensive exhibits on the Carters' lives, their humanitarian work, and the history of Plains.
• The Plains Depot: This historic railroad depot served as the official headquarters for Jimmy Carter’s successful 1976 presidential campaign. It is a key location that captures the excitement and grassroots nature of his run for the White House.
• Downtown Plains: The small town itself, with its main street and local businesses, remains largely unchanged and is easily explored on a walking tour. The Georgia Visitors Center on HWY 280 also provides local information.

The legacy of Jimmy Carter is inextricably linked to Plains, Georgia. His modest home, now the site of his final rest, serves as a powerful reminder that a life of global impact can begin—and end—in the simplest of places. The newly opened Carter Gardens ensures that the Carters’ commitment to public access and humility continues to inspire visitors decades after their service to the nation.