As former U.S. President Jimmy Carter approaches his centennial birthday, he is set to mark the milestone under home hospice care in his lifelong town of Plains, Georgia.

Carter, once the leader of the United States, is nearing the celebration of his 100th year on Oct. 1, in the small town where he was born, as ABC News reports.

With his presidency spanning from 1977 to 1981, Carter helmed a transformative period for American politics.

Born in the small town of Plains, Georgia in 1924, this town of fewer than 700 people has been his home for the majority of his life, providing a steady base from birth through his historical journey in U.S. leadership.

Early Years in Plains: The Formative Period of Jimmy Carter

The son of a peanut farmer, Carter was born during an era when the U.S. was grappling with Prohibition, a nationwide constitutional ban on the sale and production of alcoholic beverages, which remained in place until Carter was nine years old. This period was pivotal in the shaping of America's social and economic fabric, influencing young Carter indirectly.

In 1924, the U.S. enacted the Immigration Act, significantly altering the demographic landscape by restricting immigrants from regions outside Western Europe. This legislative act set the backdrop of Carter's early years, highlighting the interplay between federal policies and local lives.

Carter's Rise to Presidency and Economic Challenges

Ascending to the presidency in 1977, Carter took office during a time when the U.S. population was about 220 million, sharply rising to roughly 330 million by 2024. His presidency was notably marked by economic challenges, notably inflation, which had significant repercussions for both his presidency and the American citizenry at large.

This financial struggle delivered a tough political climate for Carter, yet he also witnessed monumental societal changes such as the expansion of voting rights to Black Americans in 1965 through the Voting Rights Act. These changes illustrated the evolving American landscape during his formative political career.

Cultural Milestones and Personal Memories

Not only a spectator of policy and change, but Carter also experienced significant cultural moments firsthand. He witnessed Henry Aaron of the Atlanta Braves break Babe Ruth's career home run record, an iconic moment for both Carter as a Braves fan and the sports world. This event was among many that highlighted the intersection of American culture and social progress during his lifetime.

The prohibition of alcohol and its eventual repeal were also part of Carter's early experiences, affecting his personal and political life.

His younger brother, Billy Carter, even capitalized on their familial ties to the presidency by marketing his beer brand, "Billy Beer," during Carter's term.

The Legacy of Jimmy Carter's Economic and Political Influence

Under Carter's leadership, the national debt saw an increment by less than $300 billion, a contrast starkly different from the financial legacies of more recent U.S. presidents. This fiscal restraint was part of his broader approach to governance, reflective of his economic policies aimed at stabilization during turbulent times.

The global population during Carter's life also soared from 1.9 billion in 1924 to over 8.1 billion by 2024, a massive shift that Carter observed and often reflected upon in his discussions on global development and policy.

Centennial Reflections and Future Visions

Approaching his 100th birthday, Carter remains a figure of resilience and history. His plans include casting a mail ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, signaling his ongoing engagement with American politics and his enduring hope for the country's direction.

His life has spanned critical historical transitions, from witnessing the first presidential television appearance by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 to confronting shifts in demographic and cultural realms that have redefined the modern age. As he reflects on a century of monumental changes, both personal and global, Carter’s legacy continues to influence discussions on American history, politics, and civil engagement.

The Lasting Impact of a President on His Centenary

Jimmy Carter's 100-year journey is a testament to a life of service, witnessing, and participating in pivotal moments in U.S. history. From a humble upbringing in the Plains to the highest office in the land, his century of experiences offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the nation and the world.

As he prepares to celebrate this remarkable milestone from his hometown where life started, the story of Jimmy Carter is one of profound resilience and enduring impact on both a national and global scale.

In conclusion, Jimmy Carter's near-century of existence has been rich with historical significance, personal milestones, and active engagement in the unfolding narrative of American life. From the plains of Georgia to the corridors of power and back, Carter’s life encapsulates a century of dramatic change and steadfast service.