Hop aboard the SAM Shortline for an informational tour of sites relating to Georgia’ s own President Carter. | photos: Department of Natural Resources
Ride the Rails to Jimmy Carter’ s Hometown
A vintage 1949 railcar journey on the SAM Shortline takes travelers from Cordele through rural landscapes to Plains, the birthplace of President Jimmy Carter. Stops along the route include Carter’ s boyhood home, his campaign headquarters at the historic train depot, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, which offers a nuanced look at his early life, presidency, and decades of humanitarian work. gastateparks. org / samshortline
Explore Jimmy Carter’ s Legacy at His Official Presidential Library
The life and presidency of Jimmy Carter are also celebrated at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. Exhibits include a life-size replica of the Oval Office, a collection of gifts from heads of state, and an interactive map that takes you along as the Carters traveled the world to monitor elections, fight diseases, and undertake other altruistic efforts. jimmycarterlibrary. gov
Revisit Jefferson Davis’ Complex Chapter in American History
President Jefferson Davis, a staunch defender of slavery, was a controversial figure, and a visit to the Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site in Fitzgerald reveals the spot where the Confederate leader was arrested for treason by Union forces in 1865. Davis and his remaining staff members were camped in the area, not realizing that two different Union troops were in hot pursuit. At dawn, gunfire ensued, until the federal forces realized they had been unknowingly shooting at one another. A monument now marks the spot of Davis’ arrest, and you can learn more about the battle at the on-site museum. gastateparks. org / jeffersondavismemorial
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum houses thousands of artifacts, documents, and audio and video recordings relating to the 39th president. | photo: Deborah Hakes
A monument( right) and museum( above) mark the site where Confederate president Jefferson Davis was captured at the end of the Civil War. | photos: Department of Natural Resources nwgeorgialiving. com | 29