Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, had significant ties to the Capital Region of New York. During his time in the Navy, Carter was part of the nuclear power program at the Kenneth Kesselring Site in West Milton. He also attended a graduate course in nuclear physics at Union College in Schenectady in 1953. While studying, Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, lived near the Rotterdam Industrial Park.
Carter's time in the area was brief but impactful. It was during his stay in Rotterdam that he decided to leave the Navy and return to Georgia to manage his family's farm and peanut business. This decision marked a pivotal moment in his life, setting him on the path to his future political career.
A monument honoring Carter's time in Rotterdam was recently restored, highlighting his connection to the region. According to the Daily Gazette, New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara attended the unveiling of the monument in May 2023.