Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site

On a cool and cloudy day, we drove to Stonewall--about half way between Fredericksburg and Johnson City--to visit the state park which bears President Johnson's name http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson.  Directly across the Pedernales River from the state park is the  LBJ National Historic Park which includes the LBJ ranch http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm .

Entrance to the state park and an auto tour through the ranch are free.  At the ranger station, we received a free cd for the auto tour (cd needed to be returned at the conclusion of the tour).  The cd contained historic information and described the buildings, etc.  The park included the Sauer-Beckmann Living Farm.  Guides here were in period dress and presented farm and household living as it was in  for the German immigrants to the area in1918.  

The state park also had a very interesting video telling the history of LBJ's wife, Lady Bird.  She was a powerful force and financial whiz in her own right.

Our route took us past the school LBJ attended--a one room school house which held 7 grades:

And then we followed the road through the ranch and past lazing Herefords.  The ranch is a working open range ranch.  We finally ended at his house, known as the  "Western White House."  LBJ spent about a quarter of his presidency staying here. 

Many heads of state visited here as well as Vietnam war era military operations were planned here. 

We paid $3.00 each to tour the house.  The house was furnished in the late 60s early 70s style reflecting his presidency.  We saw the famous bank of three televisions in both the living room and bedroom which he had on during the day.  The volume was kept off until he saw something interesting (usually war protests and the like).  The three television reflected the three available networks:  ABC, CBS and NBC.  Photography was not allowed in the house.

And, of course, we saw his version of Air Force One parked in back of the house:

The runway is still intact and the taxi way lies adjacent to the back of the house. 

Adjacent buildings house some of his autos and other historical  items.

The blue vehicle in the back is a car/boat and was used to drive in the river which lies at the front of the house.

And, of course, from where all the wisdom of his presidency was verbalized:

At the time, he was not one of my most favorite people because of the war.  However, he  certainly had a very strong and positive domestic record ranging from the Civil Rights Act to Head Start.

On our way out of the park, Donna said her goodbyes.

Not too many bluebonnets were found here either!