FDR at age 63 in 1945 in what would be his last portrait.
Photo courtesy of Presidential Library
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Jan. 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
On April 12, 1945, the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, passed away at his retreat in Warm Springs, GA, from a cerebral hemorrhage. At four terms, Roosevelt was the longest-serving president in U.S. history, guiding the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
Roosevelt is a historical hero for residents of the Hudson Valley, having been born and raised in Hyde Park at the Roosevelt family home, Springwood. Roosevelt spent most of his formative years there, and even as the president, he continued to return home often.
However, Roosevelt had another retreat at Warm Springs. He had a special relationship with the Georgia town, as it was home to a resort that treated those, like himself, who were afflicted with polio. He purchased and renovated the resort, and his final days were spent in a cottage on the property. It was dubbed the “Little White House,” due to him carrying out affairs of state from the home.
Springwood will be closed for renovations from April 1 to Oct 31. The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is temporarily closed as of March 17. For more information, visit the park’s website.
