President Jimmy Carter and Royals’ baseball player George Brett pose together for a photograph as Carter campaigned for reelection in Kansas City.
Kansas City Star archives
President Jimmy Carter, who rose from a peanut farmer to the presidency during a time of national upheaval, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday..
As the world honors his life, Kansas City reflects on his visits through a gallery of photographs in our archives at The Star.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter eat a meal at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque on a trip to Kansas City on October 15, 1979. Kansas City Star archives
Carter visited Kansas City while campaigning for the presidency. One image shows him at the FFA convention, visiting with delegates from his home state. Another captures a quintessential Kansas City moment: Carter enjoying a plate of ribs at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.
While on the campaign trail, Jimmy Carter traveled to Kansas City in November, 1975, for the FFA convention. While there, he met with some of the delegates from his home state of Georgia. Kansas City Star archives
In Independence, a poignant photo shows him standing thoughtfully at The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, paying homage to his political hero, Harry S. Truman, while laying flowers on his grave.. And in a lighter moment, Carter is seen alongside Royals legend and Hall of Famer George Brett, each holding campaign signs—”Re-elect President Carter” and “George Brett for President.”
President Jimmy Carter places flowers on the grave of former President Harry S. Truman at the Truman Library. Earlier Carter had visited Truman’s widow, Bess. Kansas City Star archives
These images highlight the depth of Carter’s connection to Kansas City, showcasing both his reverence for history and his ability to connect with everyday people. As we say goodbye to a leader who redefined post-presidential life through service and compassion, these photographs serve as lasting reminders of his humanity and his ties to the heartland.
University of Kansas T-shirts were in vogue during a tribute to Bob Dole in Lawrence. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (right) held up his T-shirt. Next to him stood former President Jimmy Carter. At left were Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and former Senator Dole. Kansas City Star archives
Jimmy Carter signed books at Unity Temple on the Plaza, sponsored by Rainy Day Books. The Kansas City Star archives
Mrs. Bess Truman waiting for Carter to arrive for a brief visit this morning. President Carter takes a look at the reproduction of President Truman’s Oval Office at the Truman Library in Independence. ***** is 6-year-old son, Clay, try to fan away the heat as they meeting. Kansas City Star archives
President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter greeted Mrs. Douglas Young and her son, Douglas Young III, at a reception at the Jackson County Courthouse. They are the family of Douglas Young, a county legislator. Kansas City Star archives
President Jimmy Carter introduces himself to a shy William Teasdale, age 4, as Gov. and Mrs. Joseph Teasdale and infant, John Teasdale, watch at Downtown Airport in Kansas City. Kansas City Star archives
President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with members of the Kansas City Police Department. Kansas City Star archives
Jimmy Carter, the Democratic Presidential candidate, greeted one of about 250 people who went through a reception line before he spoke last night at a memorial dinner for the late Rep. Jerry Litton at the Radisson Muehlebach Hotel. Next to Carter were Mr. and Mrs. Charley Litton, the parents of Litton. Kansas City Star archives
This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 9:47 AM.
Monty Davis is a video producer and has been with The Kansas City Star for 20 years. He specializes in telling human interest video stories using mobile gear such as his iPhone 13 Pro. Recently he took up an interest in deltiology which is the study and collection of postcards. From that came a new series for The Star called Past | Present. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with family, his pugs, kayaking and reading historical biographies about the American Revolution and the Civil War.
