Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter: Roswell's Presidential Ties

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.