About Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site
Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site preserves the modest six-room cottage Franklin D. Roosevelt built at Warm Springs in 1932, shortly before he became president. Roosevelt had begun visiting the area in 1924 after discovering that exercise in its warm mineral water eased some effects of his paralysis. His experiences in rural Georgia became closely intertwined with both his rehabilitation work and his political life, and Warm Springs remained an important retreat throughout his presidency.
The site also interprets Roosevelt's presidency, disability, and connection to the Warm Springs community through a memorial museum and historic landscape. Highlights include his 1938 Ford convertible fitted with hand controls, recordings and exhibits related to his presidency, the Walk of Flags and Stones, and Elizabeth Shoumatoff's famous unfinished portrait, which Roosevelt was sitting for when he suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945.
As of 2026, the historic residence area, including the Little White House, servant quarters, and guest house, is temporarily closed for renovation until further notice, while the museum, grounds, Walk of Flags and Stones, and Unfinished Portrait remain available to visitors. The state also lists limited reserved tours of the Little White House on weekend mornings, so visitors interested in entering the house should confirm availability before traveling.
