Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia , that revolves around farming, church and school, had a large influence in molding the character and in shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States . The site includes President Carter's residence, boyhood farm, school, and the railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. An old Southern Magnolia tree from the yard has been propagated in Carter's honor.