Lyndon B. Johnson

idle (Boyhood J-fome I know—from personal experience—that abiding values and abundant visions are learned in the homes of our people. Lyndon Johnson —Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964 the first week of March, 1937, when Lyndon A visit to the Boyhood Home is a walk Johnson stood on the porch of his boyhood back in time to rural America of the home to announce his candidacy for the 1920's—a window into the world that U.S. House of Representatives for the Tenth nurtured Lyndon Johnson. We welcome you District of the State of . and hope that you enjoy your visit here in Johnson City. So began a career in public service that spanned more than three decades, culminated in the presidency of the United States, and ushered in landmark legislation such as , , the , and forty-three national Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr. Rebekah Baines Johnson park authorizations or additions. As a boy he learned the value of education, and his administration passed more than sixty C education bills—a fitting tribute to his .Lyndon Johnson's family moved from a working for his father's re-election. At mother. He didn't forget where he came farm near Stonewall, Texas, to Johnson City thirteen, he sat by his father's side during from and worked hard to provide electricity (a distance of about fourteen miles) two legislative sessions. These experiences throughout the rural counties that surround weeks after his fifth birthday, in September taught Lyndon Johnson the "political facts Johnson City. All his accomplishments have 1913. For most of the next twenty-four of life" and the necessary skills of a earned him a respect that is still alive today years, this was their home. In 1913, the successful politician. in the Texas Hill Country. family included Lyndon's father, Sam Ealy Homecoming speech, east front porch, Johnson, Jr.; his mother, Rebekah Baines President Johnson's mother, Rebekah July, 1941. Johnson; young Lyndon; and his sisters, Baines, was one of the few college-educated Rebekah and Josefa. Over the years, two women in the area. Education was her NATIONAL ELECTORAL OFFICES more children were born in this house— passion. It was in this home that she taught Lucia and Sam Johnson. The elocution lessons and debating techniques 1937 Elected to U.S. House of family life that Lyndon Johnson experienced to the neighborhood children. Lyndon must here as he grew to adulthood strongly have listened well to her instructions, for he Representatives influenced the man who became our thirty- too taught debate strategies for a school 1948 Elected to U.S. Senate sixth President. team. Among other lessons, young Lyndon learned we should never form opinions 1951 Elected Senate Minority Leader The interests of young Lyndon's parents had based on first impressions and that power a profound effect on his subsequent should be used for the public good, in the 1955 Elected Senate Majority Leader political career and on the issues he tradition of Ben Franklin and Thomas I960 Elected Vice President championed both as a Congressman and as Jefferson. President. His father was a state legislator 1963 Assumed Presidency upon for twelve years. As such, Sam Ealy Jr. was a In February 1937, Lyndon Johnson returned assassination of President The Johnson children in 1921. Young Lyndon, popular and effective participant in home from Austin to seek the advice of his John F. Kennedy 13, is second from the right. democratic party politics. At the age often, father—should he run for Congress? It was young Lyndon was on the campaign trail 1964 Elected President National Historical Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

History The Restoration This Folk Victorian style house was built When the Boyhood Home was given to the in 1901 by WC. Russell, sheriff of Blanco National Park Service, it had been altered County. In 1913, Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr. paid considerably from how it was when Lyndon $2,925 for the house and the surrounding Johnson was a boy. To return the home to 1 % acres. During the presidential years, its 1920s appearance, materials of the same the home was used as a community center type and age and historic construction and and public tours were offered. In December furnishing techniques were used. In 1973, of 1969, Congress designated this home after three years of efforts by historians, as part of Lyndon B. Johnson National architects, carpenters, stonemasons, and Historic Site. The National Park Service many local business people, the restoration has restored the home to its appearance was completed and the Boyhood Home was during the mid-1920s, the teenage years opened to the public. of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Tour starts on the east front porch

The home is restored for you and all future visitors to enjoy. Please help us protect and preserve it by not touching any furnishings or artifacts.

Printed with funds donated by Western National Parks 1/05 Printed on recycled paper