The Modest Ranch: 5 Fascinating Facts About Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter's Plains, Georgia Home And Gravesite

As of December 2025, the humble ranch house at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia, is no longer just the residence of a former president and first lady; it has transitioned into a powerful symbol of their enduring legacy and final resting place. Following the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter in November 2023 and President Jimmy Carter in December 2024, the property has become the centerpiece of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, drawing visitors eager to witness the profound modesty that defined the Carters' post-White House life. The most significant recent update is the opening of the gravesite to the public, offering a quiet, contemplative space for reflection.

The story of the Carters' house is intrinsically linked to their commitment to their hometown and their humanitarian work, particularly with Habitat for Humanity. It stands in stark contrast to the grand estates typically associated with presidential retirement, highlighting their unique place in American history. This article details the latest information on the property, the couple's remarkable lives, and what visitors can expect from this newly accessible historical site.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: A Shared Biographical Profile

The Carters' 77-year marriage was the longest of any presidential couple, a partnership that began and ended in Plains, Georgia. Their lives were dedicated to public service, human rights, and mental health advocacy.

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• James Earl Carter, Jr. (Jimmy Carter)
  • Full Name: James Earl Carter, Jr.
  • Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia
  • Died: December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia
  • Education: Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S. Naval Academy (1946)
  • Key Roles: U.S. Navy Officer, Georgia State Senator (1963–1967), Governor of Georgia (1971–1975), 39th President of the United States (1977–1981)
  • Post-Presidency: Co-founded The Carter Center in 1982; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2002)
• Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter
  • Full Name: Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter
  • Born: August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia
  • Died: November 19, 2023, in Plains, Georgia
  • Key Roles: First Lady of the United States (1977–1981), leading advocate for mental health, co-founder of The Carter Center, active partner in Habitat for Humanity International

The Modest Ranch House at 209 Woodland Drive

The house at 209 Woodland Drive is arguably the most famous example of post-presidency modesty in American history. Built in 1961, it was the first and only home the Carters ever owned, a testament to their deep roots in Sumter County and their refusal to embrace the opulence often afforded to former world leaders.

The one-story, ranch-style dwelling is set on a 2.4-acre lot. Its design is simple and functional, reflecting the Carters' practical nature. The original construction cost was approximately $10 per square foot, a remarkably low figure even for the time, which underscores the house’s humble beginnings. While the exact square footage of the final residence varies in reports, its modest size and two-bedroom layout were consistently highlighted in media coverage over the decades.

In 2018, the home was assessed at a value significantly lower than the armored Secret Service vehicles parked outside, a detail that perfectly captured the Carters' down-to-earth lifestyle. After returning to Plains following the 1980 election loss, the Carters lived a life focused on community, teaching Sunday school, and their global humanitarian efforts, making the house a quiet hub for global outreach rather than a secluded retreat.

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The house is a powerful counter-narrative to the traditional image of presidential retirement, emphasizing service and simplicity over wealth and grandeur. It is an essential component of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which also includes the Plains High School Museum and the Carter Boyhood Home.

Public Access: The Gravesite and Future Museum Status (Late 2025 Update)

The most current and significant update regarding the property is the transition of the Carters’ residence into a public memorial site. This transition was planned years in advance, ensuring the property would be preserved as a historical and educational resource for future generations.

The Carter Gardens & Burial Site

Following President Carter’s death and interment on January 9, 2025, the gravesite and memorial garden became the primary focal point for public visitation. The graves of both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are located within the central memorial garden, a serene and contemplative space that Rosalynn Carter herself helped design.

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The National Park Service (NPS) officially opened the gravesite area to the public in July 2025. Visitors are now able to pay their respects daily, typically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., though specific hours are subject to change by the NPS. This area is intended to be a place of quiet reflection, emphasizing the couple's lifelong partnership and their dedication to humanitarian causes through The Carter Center and their local church. The site is a poignant reminder of their commitment to Plains, Georgia, where they chose to live out their final years.

The Future of the House as a Museum

The ranch house itself is slated to become a self-guided museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Carters’ personal life and political career. While the gravesite opened in mid-2025, the full transition of the private residence into a public museum is a complex process. The NPS is currently working on the necessary preparations to open the house’s interior to the public, ensuring the preservation of the structure and its contents.

Once fully operational as a museum, the 209 Woodland Drive home will serve as a powerful educational tool, showcasing the modesty, partnership, and enduring influence of the 39th President and his First Lady. It will be the only presidential residence in the South to be converted into a museum after the death of the president, a fitting tribute to a couple who consistently broke the mold of traditional presidential life. The preservation efforts are focused on maintaining the authentic, lived-in feel of the home, giving visitors a genuine look at the Carters' post-White House life in Plains.

The Enduring Legacy of Plains, Georgia

The significance of the Carters' house extends beyond its architecture; it is the physical embodiment of their "Plains way of life." The town of Plains, a small community in rural Georgia, served as the constant anchor for their entire lives, from childhood to their final rest. This connection allowed them to maintain a grounded perspective, even after occupying the most powerful office in the world.

Their decision to return to Plains and their continued engagement with the community—including teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church—cemented their image as public servants who never lost touch with their roots. The house on Woodland Drive, therefore, is not merely a residence but a monument to a life of service, simplicity, and a powerful, enduring partnership that shaped global politics and humanitarian efforts for decades. Visitors to the site are not just touring a former president's home; they are experiencing the physical legacy of the Carters' moral and ethical commitments.