Funeral Events at the Park

Funeral procession through Plains, Ga. for Rosalynn Carter

National Park Service image

The staff of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park invites visitors to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter at the sites where he lived and that influenced his remarkable life. As we commemorate his extraordinary contributions to our nation and the world, condolence books are available at each of the park’s sites for those wishing to leave personal messages of remembrance and gratitude.

Visit the Park

Visit the three sites of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park – the boyhood farm, Plains High School (which serves as the park’s visitor center) and the Plains depot – to learn how this small, tight-knit farming community influenced the future president of the United States.

• Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm is where President Carter was raised from the age of four until he went to college at age seventeen. The Carter family owned this house until 1949, when Earl Carter sold it. The National Park Service received the home in 1994, and after a multiyear restoration to its 1937 appearance, opened the home to visitation in November of 2000.

• Plains High School was constructed in 1921 at a cost of $50,000.00. Student attended grades one through eleven in the building, there being no twelfth grade until 1952. Both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter graduated from Plains High School, Jimmy Carter in 1941 and Rosalynn Carter in 1944. Jimmy Carter quoted Julia Coleman: teacher, principal, and superintendent of the school system, in his inaugural address as President of the United States.

• The Plains Depot was built in 1888 in the center of town, and the residential neighborhoods soon developed around the depot. Although the depot closed in 1951, it was reopened on April 18, 1976, to serve as the presidential campaign headquarters for Jimmy Carter. During the campaign, approximately 10,000 people a day came to Plains to find out about candidate Carter. Many state primary victories, as well as the Presidential victory, were celebrated in the streets around the depot. The depot now contains a self-guided museum with exhibits focusing on the 1976 presidential campaign.

Visitors will find condolence books and memorial wreaths at each site, providing a meaningful space to honor President Carter's legacy. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and reflections with our park rangers, who are here to listen and help preserve the heartfelt tributes of those whose lives he touched.

Please note that due to funeral events, the Boyhood Farm will be close at noon on Thursday, January 9. Additionally, certain locations within the town of Plains may be temporarily closed during the state funeral period. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to visit the other areas of the park to reflect on President Carter’s enduring impact and celebrate his remarkable story.

Road Detours

As Plains and the nation formally observe the passing of President Jimmy Carter, road detours will be in place on the days that the funeral procession travels through the town. Visitors wishing to view the funeral processions will be able to park in designated areas on Hospital Street in Plains throughout the event as long as there is space.

• On Thursday, January 9th, Highway 280 will be rerouted during the hours of approximately 2:00pm through 7:00pm, from Rabbit Branch Road west of Plains to Bob Dodson Road east of Plains. Bond Street / Highway 45 will be detoured from Highway 280 north to Jack Slappy Road. All times are approximate. Detour routes will be marked with signage and law enforcement.

Live Streaming of Funeral Events

Visitors are welcome to view the state funeral events which will be live streamed in the auditorium of the Plains High School throughout the week, including:

• National Funeral Service at the National Cathedral
  Thursday, Jan. 9 – 9:30 a.m.
  
• Funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga.
  Thursday, Jan. 9 – 3:30 p.m.