ARCHERY, Ga. (WALB) - As we remember the extraordinary life of Jimmy Carter, we are taking a look at where his journey began at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Jimmy Carter and his family moved into his childhood home when he was only four years old.

To understand the values and legacy of Jimmy Carter, Jennifer Hopkins, the lead education ranger at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, says you have to come to Archery, Georgia where it all begins.

”The representation between this farm and his legacy is that it is very humble and that is who he is,” Hopkins said.

Carter’s grand legacy stems from humble beginnings. This former president lived on a farm that had no running water or electricity until his early teenage years.

“[The Carter’s] ended up getting that water in 1935 thanks to the windmill that’s here on the farm pumping water to the house. In 1938 they were able to get electricity thanks to the Rural Electrification Act, “ Hopkins said.

Growing up, Carter’s father ran a tenant farming operation which allowed the future president to be introduced to diversity at an early age.

“[Jimmy Carter’s] first friends are African Americans. One of his best friends growing up was Alonzo Davis. [Jimmy Carter] talks about here on the farm they’re just kids but whenever they had to go to the movies they couldn’t sit in the same section together, they couldn’t ride on the same train car together. That really does root something inside of [Jimmy Carter]. When he’s governor in his inaugural address he says the time for racial segregation in Georgia is over because he grew up in a place where that really didn’t exist until they left the farm,” she said.

Growing up on the farm, Carter had responsibilities like any teenager, but his chores included mopping cotton, blacksmithing chores, and tending to other farm duties.

“As he grew, the tasks became harder. I think that the hard work instilled that mindset in him that you see later on as president, his post-presidency, and all the way to him helping out with Habitat for Humanity,” said Hopkins.

Hopkins finds inspiration in Carter’s childhood story, and she hopes future generations are inspired as well.

“If President Carter can come from the middle of nowhere Georgia and become president of the United States, they can too. Don’t let where you come from limit your potential.”

Even after his death, Carter’s legacy will continue to live on at the boyhood farm for many years to come.

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