Roswell is the perfect place to visit for those in search of history, and
this holds especially true for presidential scholars. Across the historic
district, connections to not one, but three United States presidents can be
discovered, giving visitors the chance to learn some of the lesser known
details about the lives of Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and
Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter. There’s no better way to spend the upcoming President’s
Day holiday than by seeing history up close in Roswell!
Bulloch Hall, one of Roswell’s Southern Trilogy Historic House Museums,
was built in 1839 and served as the childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, mother of
Teddy Roosevelt. Mittie initially met Theodore Roosevelt Sr. during a visit to
Roswell, and a few years later, after a courtship that has captured the hearts
of many historians, the two were married at Bulloch Hall. The Christmas-time ceremony
is brought to life in the same room by historically costumed reenactors on an
annual basis. Visitors to Bulloch Hall can participate in guided tours on the
hour, or visit the carefully maintained gardens and reconstructed slave
quarters, where more exhibits tell the story of Bulloch’s many inhabitants. The
Roosevelt’s connection to Roswell continues through Teddy Roosevelt’s brother,
Elliott Roosevelt, who would later become the father of Eleanor Roosevelt,
future wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt and beloved First Lady. During his
presidency, Franklin and Eleanor were often seen passing through Roswell while
spending time in Warm Springs, and Eleanor made several visits herself to
Bulloch Hall.
Visitors may also wish to pass by the former home of Emily Dolvin, a
resident of Roswell and aunt of Jimmy Carter. Often called Aunt Sissy, Emily was
an avid campaigner for her nephew, and her house was often used as a gathering
place, earning the name “Jimmy Carter’s Roswell White House.” A plaque stands
outside the house on Bulloch Avenue, which, though not open to the public, is
one of the many beautifully maintained historic homes in the city.
For more information on visiting Bulloch Hall, or to learn more about
Roswell’s Presidential connections, be sure to stop by the Roswell Visitor’s
Center, or contact the Southern Trilogy House Museum directly.
