Warm Springs, Georgia

In the last post I mentioned the Little White House and President Franklin Roosevelt's association with the historic city of Warm Springs, Georgia.

Warm Springs is a charming little community nestled in the hill country of western Georgia about 45 minutes north of Columbus and perhaps an hour south of Atlanta. It is known today as a popular resort area and is rich in historic sites and natural landmarks.

According to legend, warriors of the Creek and other Indian nations came to Warm Springs for centuries before the first white settlers arrived. They believed the natural warm water flowing from springs near Pine Mountain held medicinal properties that would help them recover from war wounds and other injuries. During the 19th century, however, it became a popular resort for residents of Georgia and other southern states who came either for their health or just for a break away from their daily lives.

The city's real claim to fame, of course, was its association with Franklin D. Roosevelt. He first came to Warm Springs in 1924 in hopes that the warm water might help him recover from his polio-related paralysis. While Roosevelt never regained the use of his legs, the swims at Warm Springs and exercise in the clean mountain air did him worlds of good. He fell in love with the area and built his Little White House there in 1932. It was the only home he ever owned and where he died in 1945.

Warm Springs today is the centerpiece of a popular area for vacations and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the charming downtown area, visit the restored pools where Roosevelt once swam, see the Little White House and explore both the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park and nearby Callaway Gardens.

To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/warmsprings.