F. D. Roosevelt State Park facts for kids
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Pine Mountain State Park
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View from Dowdell's Knob
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Pine Mountain, Georgia |
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| Area | 4,568 acres (1,849 ha) (landmarked area) |
| Built | 1934 |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001273 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 25, 1997 |
| Designated NHLD | September 25, 1997 |
F.D. Roosevelt State Park is a huge Georgia state park. It covers about 9,049 acres (36.62 km2) of land. You can find it near the towns of Pine Mountain and Warm Springs.
The park is named after Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a U.S. President. He came to nearby Warm Springs to get treatment for a serious illness that affected his muscles. The park is located along the Pine Mountain Range. Part of the park, once called Pine Mountain State Park, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1997. This means it's a very important historical place. F.D. Roosevelt State Park is the biggest state park in Georgia!
Many buildings and areas in the park were built by young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This group worked during the Great Depression, a time when many people didn't have jobs. They built a stone swimming pool and President Roosevelt's favorite picnic spot. This spot is called Dowdell's Knob and has amazing views of the valley below. President Roosevelt would even bring people who were recovering from polio to picnic with him there.
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Park History: How It Began
The land where the park is now was once home to the Creek Nation. They lived there until the 1820s. Then, the land became part of the State of Georgia. Later, a town called Kings Gap grew up in the area. It was named after a trading post. But over time, the town disappeared.
Roosevelt's Connection to Warm Springs
In 1924, Franklin D. Roosevelt first visited the warm springs nearby. He was looking for a way to feel better from an illness that had affected his ability to move. In 1927, Roosevelt and others started the Warm Springs Foundation. This place helped people with disabilities using the natural mineral springs. Today, it's a big center that helps many people.
Just before he became president in 1932, Roosevelt built a home nearby. It's now known as the Little White House. After he became president, he helped create the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Building the Park with the CCC
In 1935, the CCC set up a camp near the park's entrance. Young men from the CCC built much of the park you see today. They constructed the Liberty Bell Pool, the Roosevelt Lodge, and several cabins. They also created two lakes: the 15-acre (61,000 m2) Lake Delanor and the 25-acre (100,000 m2) Lake Franklin. Because the CCC's work is so well-preserved, the western part of the park became a National Historic Landmark in 1997.
Nature and Geography of the Park
F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia's largest state park. It sits on the Pine Mountain Range. This is the southernmost mountain area in Georgia. It's also the southernmost mountain area east of the Mississippi River in the United States. The Pine Mountain Ridge is made of quartzite rocks. It's part of the Piedmont Plateau, not the Appalachian Mountains further north.
Dowdell's Knob: A High Point
Dowdell's Knob is the highest spot in F. D. Roosevelt State Park. It is 1,395 feet high. The knob was named after two early settlers in Harris County, Lewis and James Dowdell.
Exploring the Pine Mountain Trail
The park has the 23-mile (37 km) long Pine Mountain Trail. This beautiful path winds through forests with many different trees. You'll see hardwood trees like hickory and oak. You might also spot smaller plants like buckeye, pawpaw, azalea, blueberry, and huckleberry. The trail has thirteen simple campsites for backpackers. Volunteers from the Pine Mountain Trail Association take care of the trail. The park also has two lakes where you can fish and a historic trading post. There are even some special chestnut trees that have survived in the park.
Recent Events at the Park
On April 12, 2007, a bronze statue was revealed at Dowdell's Knob. This date was the 62nd anniversary of Roosevelt's death. The statue weighs 1,200 pounds! It shows Roosevelt sitting in his car seat, wearing his leg braces. An artist from Atlanta named Martin Dawe created it.
In 2011, a strong tornado hit the park. It caused a lot of damage, especially in the camping areas. About 30% of the buildings in one group campground were destroyed.
Park Facilities: What You Can Do
The park offers many things for visitors:
- 105 spots for tents, trailers, or RVs
- 16 campsites for backpackers
- 22 Cottages for rent
- 2 picnic shelters
- 2 group camps
- 1 group shelter
- 1 pioneer campground
- 1 public swimming pool
Annual Events to Enjoy
- Spring Backpacking Trip (usually in March)
Images for kids
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F.D. Roosevelt's statue at Dowdell's Knob.
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Visitor's Center
