PLAINS, Ga. — The 39th President of the United States reached another historic milestone in Plains on Tuesday — a century after his first.
"One hundred years ago today, he was born here in Plains, making him the first president to be born in a hospital," presidential historian Larry Cook told 11Alive. "He started right out on day one making history, and he's still doing it today."
Jimmy Carter is the first U.S. president to turn 100 years old.
"I always say that I feel that he's going to be the most remembered president in the whole world because he's done so many things — not just for our country, but for the entire world," Cook said. "He's an example that we should all take note of and try to emulate in our own lives because he makes your life better. He's made my life better by far."
Cook, who is a friend of Carter's, traveled to Plains for the birthday celebrations. He was delighted to see the small crowd.
"Everybody has a smile on their face here on this gorgeous day in Plains to celebrate a man who you just can't celebrate enough," Cook said. "To know that he got there to 100 years is just remarkable."
Barbara Green is proud to share a hometown with Carter. She's even more proud to live in a home he helped build.
"He built our Habitat [for Humanity] home for us. He was out there putting his hands in the dirt," she said. "It didn't matter about the skin color or anything like that, but because of who God is, I know he's a man of God."
She said she's grateful to see all of the people he's helped over the last century.
"It's a joy to know that I'm from a town that where he's from," she said. "It's good to be here today to help celebrate his birthday. 100 years? That's a blessing."
Fourteen-year-old Reed Elliotte and his family traveled from Kentucky to attend the birthday festivities. He was excited to witness history.
"I'm just excited that Mr. Jimmy got to make it," he said. "He's earned it for everything he's done for the American people."
Ninety-two-year-old Curtis Flowers drove down from Columbus to attend Carter's birthday celebrations.
"I'm trying to catch him — I'm 92," he said. "It's nice to know he was the president. He was a good one, I thought."