Plains in Sumter County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
President Jimmy Carter
From this depot in 1975, James Earl Carter, Jr. launched a two-year campaign for the presidency of the United States. At first an unknown referred to as “Jimmy Who,” Carter was inaugurated as America’s 39th President on January 20, 1977.
James Earl Carter, Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in Plains. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Rosalynn Smith in 1946. After seven more years of naval service he returned to run a family agribusiness. In 1962, Jimmy Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate and in 1970, became Governor. As governor, he reorganized state government, reformed the budgetary process, improved race relationships, health care, education, and environmental quality. Notable achievements of his presidency (1977-1981) were based on the values he considered most important “… human rights, environmental quality, nuclear arms control, and the search for justice and peace.” Successes included the resolution of the Panama Canal issue, signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, the Camp David accords and peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, normalizing relations with China and reorganization of the federal government. This Depot and surrounding historic district symbolize the culture of this small rural community which produced a highly respected international leader.
Erected 1986 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 129-9.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr., and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1783.
Location. 32° 2.007′ N, 84° 23.641′ W. Marker is in Plains, Georgia, in Sumter County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and North Hudson Street, on the left when traveling east on West Main Street. The marker is in front of the old Plains Depot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plains GA 31780, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Plains Depot (a few steps from this marker); Plains Pharmacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Plains Honors Her Own Jimmy Carter (within shouting distance of this marker); Plains City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Plains Inn and Antique Mall (within shouting distance of this marker); M and M Cash Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Walters Grocery Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Bank Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plains.
Also see . . .
1. Official Biography of Jimmy Carter. (Submitted on August 4, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. Information on the Jimmy Carter National Historic site in Plains. (Submitted on August 4, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,157 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 8, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 8. submitted on August 12, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.