Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park
There are 2 distinct location for the park. In Johnson City, there is an exhibit center, his boyhood home and a walking trail with a number of historic buildings. Fourteen miles west of Johnson City is the place referred to as the “Texas White House.” This is on the Pedernales River. The Texas White House is an 8,500 sq.ft. house that Lyndon purchased from his aunt and restored. When he became President they extended the air strip and that is when it got its name of the “Texas White House.”
Many of us, when we think of LBJ, can only remember the Vietnam War. Until we visited this park the thoughts of the war stuck in our minds and we forgot about the Civil Rights, Head Start Program, Space Program and all of the legislation that was passed during his term as President.
LBJ came from a very poor background. That, in part, gave him the drive to develop programs to educate all Americans. LBJ’s wealth came from his wife, Lady Bird and as she inherited some money she purchased a radio station and became a very successful business woman. Lady Bird’s efforts to beautify America by planting trees and flowers are what we think of her but she was also very active in the National Park Services as well. When the Johnson family donated the Texas White House complex to make a National Park they also donated a commercial cattle operation that is still run by the National Park who has 2 full time cowboys on staff. LBJ passed away in 1973 but Lady Bird stayed on living at the Texas White House for another 30 years so it has just recently been turned over to the National Parks.