Fredericksburg, TX (LBJ Ranch)Oct 14, 2009
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LBJ Birthplace
LBJ Gravesite
Old Tree
A visit to this area would not be complete without visiting the "Texas White House". This involves seeing/touring the Visitor Center and the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm located in the LBJ State Park and Historic Site in addition to six distinctive sites located in the adjacent Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. A driving tour takes you past the Junction School, where a 4-year old LBJ learned to read, the LBJ Birthplace, reconstructed in 1964 to be used as a guest house, and then the Johnson Family Cemetery. Next comes LBJ's grandparent's home, the Show Barn at the north end of the airstrip, the Hanger, and finally the Texas White House. We did take a tour of the house, but no picture-taking was allowed inside.
We have included several photos of the house and the great oak tree that stands next to the house. The white chairs under this tree were LBJ's "meeting room". Many a foreign dignitary as well as U.S. Congressmen/Senators were "persuaded" to seeing things his way during a session "under the big oak tree". This was also his "war room" where he regularly met with his cabinet and military advisors during the early stages of the Vietnam Conflict.
One of LBJ's prize posessions was the amphicar in the photo. He delighted in taking visitors "for a ride" in it and abruptly turning into the water - along the dam pictured here. His antics were not confined to the amphicar as he would also do this with his Cadillac convertible! Imagine the surprise his guest must have had!
We highly recommend a visit to this site if you ever get to the Texas "Hill Country"!
