Hidden Georgia Retreat Of President Franklin Roosevelt Offers Intimate Glance Into History & Perspective Of A Man
Hailed by many as one of the greatest presidents in history, Franklin D. Roosevelt made his way to Warm Springs, Georgia in 1924, hoping to find relief from symptoms of his polio by swimming in the springs. The warmth and nutrients were not an absolute cure to his ailments but the peace and tranquility of the area inspired him. It led him to build a humble, 6-room cottage in 1932 which is now known as the Little White House.
For over 7 years, Ashley Aultman has worked as an interpretive ranger at the Little White House educating tourists and school groups on its intrinsic history and the artifacts that reside within it. He explains to The Buzz: “What people don’t realize about the property is that Roosevelt actually owned it privately. Many don’t understand how massive it was…over 4,000 acres in Warm Springs. [There was] a tree farm, and pasture land to raise cattle. [Roosevelt even] hired someone to oversee the property. People think he [just] had a cottage but [there was] a lot of investment in the area [property wise].”
A typical day at the Little White House in the 1930s would have looked vastly different than it does today. The property and house that bustles now with eager, knowledge hungry tourists would have been calm and quiet, which was Roosevelt’s preferred atmosphere.
After arriving by train from Washington D.C., which was a full day worth of travel, Roosevelt would have a car drive him to his beloved property and then would go about his daily activities: meetings with advisors and secretaries, paperwork, and of course his daily therapy sessions in the warm springs pool. He also enjoyed visits from his friends, including Canadian Prime Minister, Mackenzie King, as well as various Cabinet members, Henry Morganthau Jr., and Henry Wallace.
Roosevelt actually passed away here at the Little White House while having his portrait done on April 12, 1945. This infamous portrait, now known as “The Unfinished Portrait” still maintains its home at the property prominently on display.
This concerted effort is a proponent of a program from the Georgia State Parks called “Hidden Gems” which places historical artifacts at various monuments throughout the state.
Specialized tours are available on Saturday mornings at 9:30am. While the property is open during business hours for self-guided tours, the guided tours are informative, unique, and astounding, the Saturday morning tour offers a more personal atmosphere with an intimate setting. Be sure to make your reservations in advance.
The natural beauty of the area, and the meticulously crafted home and furnishings all sit just as Roosevelt left them the day he died. Guests can hear his voice over a 1930s radio, marvel at his (now) vintage and pay a visit to the pools on the property that gave him joy. The various rooms remain almost eerily preserved as well, making guests feel like they have stepped back into another century…as if Roosevelt had simply stepped out of the house for a moment.
Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, talks about the pools, which are now empty but still available for guests to see. “The naturally warm springs were diverted to a fountain which filled the pools used for [Roosevelt’s] therapy. Polio patients came from all over in hopes that the mineral water would help them since that is what first brought FDR to the town. You can still see the hand rails and reclining support boards that were used for therapy…and visitors can still come down and touch [the water in] the fountain.”
The pool themselves are a picture of elegance. One can only imagine how gorgeous they were nearly one hundred years ago, filled with beautiful, warm water. Multiple flowing staircases provide entry into the pool. Above them an arched bridge connects the walkways around the pool.
The general upkeep of the Little White House is very detailed, with a maintenance crew dedicated to keeping the grounds pristine and the staff routinely putting on special events throughout the year. The most lauded event that pays respect to Roosevelt is the anniversary of his death. Each year on April 12th a guest speaker is presented along with a marine color guard, and the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band. Speaking this year was Dr. G. Wayne Clough, Ph.D and the band played both the “National Anthem” and closed the ceremony with “Taps”.
Roosevelt’s overall impact on the community of Warm Springs reached far and wide over 80 years and continues to bring tourists to this quiet corner of Georgia, tantalizing history buffs who flock to see the home he loved so dearly, still standing…just as he left it.
Lindsay Roundtree
Pursuing a degree at the University Of Utah in Psychology, Lindsay has written for Underground Barber among others. She enjoys hiking, coffee and cooking.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, is situated on 9,049 acres, is Georgia’s largest state park and is a hiker’s and backpacker’s haven with than 40 miles of trails, including the popular 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail.