Welcome to the Hangar

History awaits you in the Airplane Hangar

NPS Photo / Jack Burton

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Airplane Hangar has served many functions over the years. Finished around 1959, it was initially constructed to protect then Senator Johnson's private plane from the elements. The spacious hangar faced the taxiway and had a wide carport in the back. In between the hangar and carport, two small quarters were built to house staff. Early on, the hangar was used for hay storage at one point, but during Johnson's presidency, it was a gathering place for community and political events as well as for official press conferences. The hangar was even used as a movie theater for the Johnson family and their friends. Today, it has been repurposed as the LBJ Ranch District visitor center, complete with exhibits, park film, and bookstore.

The Many Functions of the Hangar

Hay was not the only thing that has been stored in the hangar. Zoom into this December 29, 1963 photo. Underneath the wings of the aircraft is a stack of lumber. In this photo, President Johnson takes Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara ( front passenger seat ) and others for a spin in the golf cart. Jack Valenti ( pictured in the dark jacket directly behind Johnson ) follows on foot.

Protecting aircraft from the elements was the primary purpose for the hangar. In this 1965 photo, President Johnson has a conversation underneath the open hangar door. Today the hangar door has been opened permanently to allow a wall of glass windows to be added, thus giving visitors a panoramic view of the ranch from inside. Step inside the hangar and underneath the open door; look up and through a glass ceiling to see the hangar door.

The hangar, with it's size and open space, made an ideal location for press conferences during President Johnson's time in office. Joining the president for this September 1967 press conference are Lynda Bird Johnson and her fiancé Captain Charles Robb ( far right ).

Parties and dinners were often held in the hangar as well. On November 6, 1968, a dinner for military support personnel and their families was held. President Johnson spoke to the approximately 300 in attendance with his grandson, Patrick Lyndon Nugent, by his side. Notice the wall paneling, ceiling tiles, and lights which can still be seen in the hangar today.