The LBJ Ranch.....

The LBJ Ranch was not too far from Kerrville....we drove through Fredericksburg on the way, and then stopped there and ate and shopped on the way back. We loved our time at the Ranch. You get a map and a CD and do a self guided tour through the ranch which was free. We were able to go into the Johnson's home which was called the Texas Whitehouse. It is where LBJ died. Lady Bird died in a hospital but had lived in the home up until she got ill the final time. After her death, per LBJ's will, the ranch and the home were given to the National Park Service. The two daughters Lynda Bird and Lucy Baines cannot even go there without permission from the park service. That must be hard for them since they grew up on the ranch. In hindsight, maybe he should have given them rights of survivorship. But at any rate...it is free ($1 to go through the house). They are restoring the house room by room to how it was when LBJ used it during his White House years. They have only gotten the office finished so far and we were able to tour it..but no pictures. The rangers were very, very knowledgeable and informative. It was really a neat thing to see and we would recommend it. LBJ did a lot of great things....think Medicare!!

Here is LBJ's grave....we think the flowers are where Lady Bird is buried. His parents and other relatives are buried there also.

A visit to the show barn...he took leaders from other countries here many times.....

A view of the Ranch...it is 2800 acres and is still a working ranch.......

Some of LBJ's cars...there were more including an amphibious one!

Where the communications and secret service stayed when LBJ was at the ranch....

A side view of the Texas Whitehouse.....

A front view.....

Where LBJ wrote in the concrete...a welcome message....click on the picture to make it bigger

The view of the Pedernales River....the view from the shady front porch....

One of the huge old Live Oaks out in the front yard...this one is estimated to be about 450 years old!