Warm Springs

Images of America: Georgia

by David M. Burke Jr., Odie A. Burke

"The Spirit of Warm Springs" is what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as the peaceful atmosphere and healing qualities he found along the slopes of Georgia's Pine Mountain. But long before FDR, the warm springs attracted people. Legend has it the Creek Indians used them for healing. European settlers used them as a revenue source. In the 1800s, the springs became a resort area, and the village of Warm Springs, Georgia, was founded. Rail brought visitors to this farming community for decades until travelers sought different destinations. By the 1920s, Warm Springs began slipping into the Great Depression. Destiny intervened when Franklin Roosevelt arrived in Warm Springs seeking a cure for his polio. After his first visit, he was able to move his leg. The news drew others afflicted with polio. Warm Springs provided FDR with hope. He returned the gift through New Deal programs and the March of Dimes while restoring hope in America. The waters are still used for healing, the town of Warm Springs thrives, and FDR's Little White House is a memorial to "the foremost statesman and political leader" of the 20th century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2005

Reviews

[Jim Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing, this little book, Warm Springs, is filled with classic images and explanations of places and people and events in Warm Springs, Georgia, President Roosevelt's favorite retreat. The book is a big help in my research about FDR and Warm Springs.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is a book you can buy at the gift shop. It was very interesting to read the history of Warm Springs. I visited the area as a teen but remember next to nothing except the unfinished portrait of FDR. I found this book in a campground book exchange and now I want to revisit the area. So I guess the book served its purpose.

[Brent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this, I wanted more. i always miss photo credits. In this important history, the local information is better than the Roosevelt information. The text is poor. That said, the recent literature on FDR at Warm Springs has grown.
Mildly recommended.

[Sally Kilpatrick]

Quite interesting. While this book had more of FDR than I wanted, I did learn how much his policy was affected by his time in rural Georgia. I guess we can thank Warm Springs for inspiring the TVA and the REA as well as for its healing springs.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating look at Warm Sorings, Georgia. The photographs are excellent. The author obviously loves the location, because that adoration came out from the descriptions and text. I never realized so much important history took place in such a small down in Georgia. FDR's unfluence was great, but Warm Springs must have made quite an impact on the President as well. History buffs should love this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that makes me want to visit a place to see it for myself. I was aware of Warm Springs but had no real sense of its history. Burke brings the setting to life and reveals why this is such an important place. FDR was an important president and I appreciate understanding the man behind the policies. Another plus is the superb photo collection.

[Sondra Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, goes back and forth with time. Would like for the ending to be more specific about the resolutions with some characters.