Roots of a Frontier President

President Johnson felt deep pride and heritage in his grandparents' land.

NPS Photo / Jack Burton

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As a child, Lyndon Johnson never tired of his grandparents' stories of 1860s life on the Texas frontier. He loved the tales of long, dusty cattle drives and bravery in the face of Comanche raids. By walking less than a mile, you can experience the setting for these stories. Along the way, you will see additional structures built by other pioneering families during the 1870s and 1880s. A stop in the Event Center will give you the opportunity to learn more about President Johnson's grandparents and the struggles they faced to carve out a life in the Texas Hill Country. It will also acquaint you with the transformation that took place as open range gave way to fenced pastures and farms.

President Johnson did not forget the hardships that his ancestors endured. He drew strength from his frontier roots as he faced his own challenges as President of the United States.