Last updated: August 31, 2021
Thing to Do
Self-Guided Tour of Plains Depot-1976 Campaign Headquarters
Explore the Plains Depot and learn about not only the 1976 Presidential election, but about the state and local elections Jimmy Carter participated in. Sit down on the rocking chair and listen to the sounds of a small southern town. Watch the film and learn about Jimmy Carter’s campaign style and how he became the 39th President of the United States.
Details
Duration
15-45 Minutes
Visitors are encouraged to spend as mush time as they like at Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters. The platform on the upper level of the building has rocking chairs and benches. Have a seat, relax, and take in the views of a small southern town.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters has two levels of exhibits to explore at your own pace. Picking up the phone in the lower level plays an audio recording of George Wallace. In the upper level of the building there is a twelve minute video of the 1976 Presidential Campaign. The video plays on a loop.
Age(s)
0 and Older
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed on the grounds, but are not allowed in the Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters. All pets must be on a leash not longer than six feet. You must clean up after your pet. Service Dogs are allowed in Plains Depot.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters
The arrival of the railroad in rural areas of the South meant not only survival, but prosperity as farmers could reach a larger market with their crops. The Plains Depot was built in 1888 in the center of town, after a railroad employee, Milton Leander Hudson donated the land. Residential neighborhoods soon developed around the depot and despite several changes in railroad management, the town prospered. Although the depot closed in 1951, it was reopened on April 18, 1976 to serve as the Presidential Campaign Headquarters for Jimmy Carter. During that time 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 held in the streets around the depot. The depot now contains a self-guided museum with exhibits focusing on the 1976 Presidential campaign.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Plains Depot- 1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters is open from 9am until 4:30pm daily, weather permitting.
Accessibility Information
Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters has a parking lot that has one accessible parking spot. Other parking spots are available in the lot.
To enter the lower portion of Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters you travel from the paved parking lot surface onto a cement sidewalk. The sidewalk is thirty feet long and ends at the entrance door to the lower section of the building. There is less than a three - degree cross slope on the sidewalk. Entering the building through the glass door the main room and the side room have low pile carpeting. If using the stairs to enter the second level of the building, you need to watch your head for a low overhang. The stairs have railing on both sides.
To access the upper platform you start from the paved parking lot and go up the ramp. The ramp has two levels with a resting platform in between. The ramp is made of decking boards and is in good repair. The platform itself is made of two inch thick boards. There can be up to a quarter of an inch difference in height between the boards due to cupping. The interior of the building has pine floor boards that are in good repair with a few areas that have gaps or drops in the wood of up to a quarter of an inch.
To access the upper platform via the stairs, use the stairs located at the front of the building. There is a handrail on one side of the staircase only. The stairs to the upper platform at the rear of Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters are off limits.
To enter the lower portion of Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters you travel from the paved parking lot surface onto a cement sidewalk. The sidewalk is thirty feet long and ends at the entrance door to the lower section of the building. There is less than a three - degree cross slope on the sidewalk. Entering the building through the glass door the main room and the side room have low pile carpeting. If using the stairs to enter the second level of the building, you need to watch your head for a low overhang. The stairs have railing on both sides.
To access the upper platform you start from the paved parking lot and go up the ramp. The ramp has two levels with a resting platform in between. The ramp is made of decking boards and is in good repair. The platform itself is made of two inch thick boards. There can be up to a quarter of an inch difference in height between the boards due to cupping. The interior of the building has pine floor boards that are in good repair with a few areas that have gaps or drops in the wood of up to a quarter of an inch.
To access the upper platform via the stairs, use the stairs located at the front of the building. There is a handrail on one side of the staircase only. The stairs to the upper platform at the rear of Plains Depot-1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters are off limits.