Get an inside look at presidential history at Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs, Georgia. This unassuming six-room cottage was a relaxing personal retreat for Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1924 and 1945. Walk through the preserved rooms where FDR stayed during his long stint as President while developing New Deal policies and leading America through World War II. Little White House provides rare, intimate insights into one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
Location
Little White House sits in the quaint, small town of Warm Springs, 90 miles southwest of Atlanta. From Atlanta, take I-85 south for just over an hour, exiting at GA-85 S. The home rests on a quiet residential street just off the main highway through town.
Details
Address: 401 Little White House Rd, Warm Springs, GA 31830
Phone: (706) 655-5870
Website: https://gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse
History
In 1924, Franklin D. Roosevelt came to Warm Springs seeking therapy for polio in the town’s mineral springs. He built a modest six-room vacation cottage, dubbed the “Little White House,” which became his home away from home for two decades. During his convalescence and presidency, FDR found comfort in the privacy, informality, and warm waters of Warm Springs.
As President, FDR made trips to the Little White House almost yearly, totaling over 70 visits. He hosted family, friends, and advisors while developing his New Deal policies and guiding America through the Depression and World War II. He passed away at the Little White House in 1945, near the end of WWII.
Preserved and open for tours since 1948, the simple cottage remains nearly exactly as FDR left it, providing a personal window into his life. Exhibits and films illuminate his time there, shaping 20th-century history.
Key Historical Facts About Little White House Historic Site
- The Little White House was used as a presidential retreat by Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1941 and 1945. He visited the house a total of 11 times during his presidency.
- It is located in Warm Springs, Georgia. It sits on the grounds of Roosevelt’s Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, which he established in 1927 after discovering the polio-therapeutic effects of swimming in the springs.
- FDR first came to Warm Springs in 1924 when he was trying to find a cure for the paralysis caused by polio. He built a home there called the Little White House, where he would vacation and do presidential business.
- In 1945, FDR was at the Little White House when he suddenly died of a cerebral hemorrhage. The house was then converted into a public museum and historic site.
- The Little White House contains much of the original furniture, fixtures, and artifacts from when FDR stayed there. Visitors can tour his personal bedroom, kitchen, living room, and pools where he did hydrotherapy.
- Other highlights include the porch where FDR made speeches to the nation, his specially outfitted 1938 Ford convertible with hand controls, and the grave site where he and his dog Fala are buried.
- The Little White House Historic Site offers an intimate look into FDR’s time in Warm Springs and a preserved example of presidential retreats throughout history.
What to See and Do
Take the guided tour of the Little White House’s cozy rooms, left just as FDR used them. See the study where he worked on fireside chats and legislation, the living room where he entertained dignitaries, his simple bedroom, and more. Accessible options are available.
The museum exhibits precious objects original to FDR, like his customized 1938 Ford convertible with hand controls, gifts from world leaders, personal documents, and displays explaining how he contracted polio.
Don’t miss the film, which provides excellent background on FDR’s Warm Springs visits and how they shaped his presidency during pivotal times in American history.
After touring inside, stroll the tranquil wooded grounds surrounding the home. A life-size sculpture of FDR commemorates his legacy.
Top Attractions
- Guided tour of the historic rooms FDR used
- Museum exhibits of FDR’s belongings and polio story
- Introductory film covering his influential Warm Springs trips
- Statue garden and quiet, reflective setting
Nearby Attractions
10 minutes south, tour the life-changing Warm Springs Historic District, where FDR swam for therapy. See the pools, Roosevelt’s cottages, and the Warm Springs Institute.
The quaint town of Pine Mountain lies 20 minutes north. Ride the exciting Callaway Gardens SkyBuckets for aerial forest views and visit the idyllic Callaway Gardens attractions.
Just over an hour west, the growing city of Columbus offers fun shopping and dining along the scenic Chattahoochee River downtown. Don’t miss the National Civil War Naval Museum and National Infantry Museum.
Venture 25 minutes east to tour Providence Canyon State Park, nicknamed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” with its stunning colorful rock formations and hiking trails.
Tips for Visiting
Pleasant weather from March-May and September-November make ideal times to visit, with average highs of 65-80 °F.
Summers here are hot and very humid, with temperatures in the 90s°F. Take advantage of the cottage’s air conditioning during tours. Stay hydrated outdoors.
Winters are mild, with highs averaging 55 °F, but pack warm layers for tours early and late in the day. Some facilities may have limited hours.
Allow 1–2 hours to tour the home, see exhibits, and watch the introductory film. Tours run on the hour. Arrive early, as spots are limited.
Leave large bags and strollers behind for the guided tour’s narrow spaces. Photography is allowed without flash.
The trail to FDR’s statue garden contains a steep hill that may challenge visitors with limited mobility. Ask about alternate accessible routes.
Picnicking is allowed on site. Travel mugs provide a nice memento!
Conclusion
The Little White House Historic Site offers a uniquely intimate peek into the daily life of one of America’s most influential leaders. Touring FDR’s preserved personal retreat provides stirring insights into the man behind the legend during pivotal times in our nation’s history.
Respectful Conduct
As a presidential site, respectful conduct is required. Please refrain from disruptive talking or noise during tours, so everyone can enjoy the experience. Do not touch any artifacts or furnishings. Preserving FDR’s Little White House for generations to come should be a shared goal.
