Did you know that President Jimmy Carter once lived in a house that’s believed to be haunted? In the small town of Plains, Georgia, the Rylander House stands as an eerie monument to the past. This 1850s home, steeped in Civil War-era history and ghostly folklore, played a significant role in Carter’s childhood and early adulthood. While Carter remains skeptical of the supernatural, he acknowledges the unsettling experiences and local legends tied to the house.
A House with a Troubled Past
Built in the 1850s by enslaved laborers, the Rylander House is an artifact of Georgia’s plantation era. Its original owner, Matthew Rylander, was a wealthy planter whose estate was deeply tied to slavery. By 1860, Rylander’s personal wealth included 40 enslaved people, who represented the majority of his assets. The house was constructed during a time of rapid change and conflict, and its walls bore witness to both the cotton boom and the eventual collapse of the Confederacy.
The Rylander family’s history is marked by tragedy. Both of Matthew Rylander’s sons died in battle during the Civil War, leaving a legacy of loss and sorrow. Later generations faced their own misfortunes, including untimely deaths and financial struggles. These layers of trauma contribute to the house’s reputation as a haunted place.
Jimmy Carter’s Connection
Jimmy Carter’s ties to the Rylander House date back to his childhood. The house was a foreboding landmark on his walk home from school. In his memoir, An Hour Before Daylight, Carter described it as a “threatening barrier,” one he and his friends often avoided by taking a longer route along the railroad tracks.
In 1956, after moving out of public housing, Carter and his family rented the Rylander House. They lived there until 1961, during a formative period in Carter’s life. By this time, the house’s haunted reputation was well established, and the future president became intimately acquainted with its mysteries.
Ghostly Encounters
Local lore tells of a woman in white who haunts the attic of the Rylander House. She is said to carry a candle, her spectral figure visible through the attic window. Some believe she is searching for something lost during the Civil War, while others suggest a connection to the Underground Railroad or hidden rooms within the house.
Carter himself has shared a few unsettling experiences. One night, he and Rosalynn were startled by a loud crash that shook the entire house. The noise seemed to come from the front room, but when they investigated, they found nothing out of place. On another occasion, Carter noticed a flicker in the upstairs window. Was it a reflection, or something more sinister?
Rosalynn Carter also recalled mysterious discoveries. Her children found hidden spaces between the closet ceilings and the attic floor. In one of these cavities, they uncovered a chair and a long-lost photograph of the Carters on their wedding day. Such discoveries only added to the house’s aura of mystery.
Legends and Folklore
The Rylander House’s haunted reputation extends beyond the Carter family. For decades, Plains residents have shared stories of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained lights. Some tales reference Civil War-era tragedies, such as the death of Confederate soldiers or the hardships faced by enslaved individuals.
One popular legend involves the Underground Railroad. Hidden rooms and secret passages in the house suggest it may have been used to shelter escaping slaves or prisoners of war. However, historians are skeptical of these claims, given the Rylander family’s role in supporting the Confederacy.
Other stories include sightings of ghost dogs and whispering voices emanating from the house. Local children have long viewed the Rylander House as a place of fear and fascination, a haunted relic of a bygone era.
A Lesson in History
While the ghost stories capture the imagination, the true history of the Rylander House is equally haunting. The house serves as a tangible reminder of the horrors of slavery and the profound social changes brought about by the Civil War and Reconstruction. The hidden rooms, for example, might have been spaces of concealment or survival, reflecting the struggles of those who lived and labored there.
The Rylander House also holds a significant place in the history of Plains. As one of the few surviving plantation homes in the area, it stands as a testament to the region’s past. For Carter, the house’s historical and personal significance is undeniable, even as he approaches its ghostly legends with skepticism.
Preserving the Haunted Legacy
In 2008, the Plains Better Hometown Program purchased the Rylander House to preserve its historical and cultural value. The house’s haunted reputation played a key role in rallying community support for its restoration. Today, it stands as a symbol of Plains’ rich and complex history, attracting visitors intrigued by its ghostly lore and historical significance.
For Carter, the house represents a chapter of his life marked by nostalgia and mystery. Whether or not he believes in the ghostly tales, he acknowledges their impact on the community and the house’s enduring place in local folklore.
Closing Thoughts
The Rylander House is more than just a haunted house; it is a microcosm of Southern history, blending folklore, tragedy, and resilience. For President Jimmy Carter, it was both a childhood obstacle and a family home, steeped in stories that continue to captivate and unsettle. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Rylander House’s past will haunt your imagination, leaving you to wonder: What secrets do its walls still hold?
Sources
https://www.nps.gov/jica/planyourvisit/maps.htm
https://latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-11-01-ca-5214-story.html
