Communicating with the World

White House Communications Agency switchboard at the Ranch.

LBJ Library

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The LBJ Ranch had but a single telephone line when Lyndon Johnson purchased the property in 1951. By the time he became vice president in 1960, the array of technology had grown to 15 local and long-distance phone lines as well as a 50-foot-tall antenna to supply reception for three televisions—one for each network. Despite these upgrades, Johnson's rise to the presidency in November 1963 demanded a modern system allowing secure communications throughout the United States and the world. Within four weeks the LBJ Ranch had enough equipment for a small city: microwave towers providing 120 channels to Austin, two-way radios, teleprinters, cryptographic machines, and an extensive telephone system with 100 lines.