The LBJ Ranch: A Living Legend

Aerial view of the ranch and Pedernales River in 1967

LBJ Library photo / Yoichi Okamoto

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The LBJ Ranch was suddenly thrust upon the world stage when Lyndon Johnson assumed the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Relatively unknown to the nation before November 1963, the Johnson family's Hill Country retreat became the second most significant location in the country after the White House.

President Johnson introduced the world to Texas as he used the property for cabinet meetings, conferences, and diplomatic functions. Visitors to the ranch left with a new understanding of the president. The LBJ Ranch, like the man, became larger than life—a place of myth and legend.

In December 1972, the Johnsons deeded their home to the National Park Service. The former president encouraged the NPS to use the ranch as a site for teaching about US history and agriculture. Today, visitors continue to come from around the world to have their own LBJ Ranch experience.