Little White House State Historic Site

🏆 FDR’s Georgia Retreat — President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s beloved cottage at Warm Springs, where he sought treatment for polio and died on April 12, 1945

In the pine-covered hills of Meriwether County, Georgia, a modest white clapboard cottage sits in a clearing that changed the course of American history. This is the Little White House — the six-room cottage that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt built in 1932 and visited 41 times during his presidency. It was here, surrounded by the warm mineral springs of west-central Georgia, that FDR found relief from the paralytic effects of polio, developed the empathy that shaped the New Deal, and — on April 12, 1945 — died while sitting for a portrait, just weeks before the end of World War II.

FDR & Warm Springs

Roosevelt first came to Warm Springs in 1924, two years after contracting polio. The naturally heated mineral waters — emerging from underground at a constant 88°F — provided buoyancy and warmth that allowed him to exercise paralyzed muscles. FDR was so convinced of the springs’ therapeutic value that he purchased the resort property in 1926 and transformed it into the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, a treatment center for polio patients that became a model for rehabilitation medicine.

The Little White House

The cottage itself is remarkably modest for a presidential retreat. Built in a simple rural Georgia vernacular style, it has just six rooms: a combination living/dining room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a small bathroom. FDR designed many features himself, including hand-operated gadgets that allowed him to function independently despite his disability.

The cottage has been preserved exactly as it was on the day FDR died. His leather chair still sits by the fireplace, his Navy cape hangs by the door, and the kitchen table is set for the lunch he never ate.

Museum & Exhibits

The on-site museum contains FDR’s 1938 Ford convertible — fitted with hand controls so he could drive despite his paralysis — personal belongings, photographs, letters, and exhibits documenting his relationship with Warm Springs, his presidency, and the development of the polio treatment center.

The Unfinished Portrait

Perhaps the most poignant artifact at the Little White House is the Unfinished Portrait by artist Elizabeth Shoumatoff. On April 12, 1945, FDR was sitting for Shoumatoff when he suddenly said, “I have a terrific pain in the back of my head,” and collapsed. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage hours later. The portrait — still incomplete, Roosevelt’s face rendered but his suit merely sketched — hangs in the museum as a haunting memorial to a president’s final moments.

Walk of Flags & Grounds

The Walk of Flags leads from the museum to the cottage through a path lined with flags from every US state and territory — each representing a state that changed during FDR’s transformative presidency. The grounds include the servants’ quarters, the guest house where FDR’s secretary stayed, and mature Georgia pines that shade the hillside.

Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Little White House?

Yes — guided and self-guided tours of the cottage are available. The cottage is preserved exactly as it appeared on April 12, 1945, the day FDR died. You’ll see his personal belongings, furniture, and the room where he was sitting for his portrait.

What is the Unfinished Portrait?

The Unfinished Portrait by Elizabeth Shoumatoff captures FDR in the final moments before his death. He was sitting for the portrait when he suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945. The portrait — with his face complete but his suit only sketched — is displayed in the museum as one of its most powerful artifacts.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is $15/adult, $13/senior, $8/youth (6-18), and free for children under 6. This includes the museum, cottage tour, and grounds. Allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit.

Why did FDR come to Warm Springs?

FDR first visited in 1924 seeking treatment for polio. The naturally heated mineral springs (88°F) provided buoyancy that allowed him to exercise paralyzed muscles. He purchased the resort in 1926 and established a polio rehabilitation center that became a model for physical therapy.

Can you see FDR’s car?

Yes — FDR’s 1938 Ford convertible, fitted with hand controls that allowed him to drive despite his paralysis, is on display in the museum. It’s one of the most popular exhibits.

How far is Warm Springs from Atlanta?

Warm Springs is approximately 80 miles southwest of Atlanta — about a 1.5-hour drive via I-85 and US-27A. It makes an excellent day trip from Atlanta.

Did FDR really die at the Little White House?

Yes — President Roosevelt died at the Little White House on April 12, 1945, at age 63. He suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while sitting for a portrait. He was in Warm Springs to rest before the upcoming United Nations conference in San Francisco. His death, just weeks before the end of World War II in Europe, shocked the nation.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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