Protected Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, TX
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th President, on lands settled by his ancestors, from his birth, boyhood and service to the United States to his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. In 2022, the National Park Service asked us to help save an important chapter of that story in his boyhood neighborhood of Johnson City, TX.
Project Details:
Project Years: 2022 – 2023
Parcel Size: 0.47 acres
Project Cost: $330,000
Park Trust Role: Buy and hold, sell to NPS
Funding Source: Treasure Forever Fund
Overview
The house, located across from President Johnson’s boyhood home, originally belonged to his younger sister, Mrs. Birge Alexander. The Alexander home, most recently owned by President Johnson’s niece, Rebekah Shulman, is vital to the park’s cultural and historical landscape and was the park’s highest land acquisition priority. Given its location, the house was susceptible to development, so, at NPS’ request, we worked quickly to complete an appraisal and survey and purchase the land in July 2023. One month later, in August 2023, we sold the land to NPS. In addition to preserving the history of Lyndon B. Johnson, the house on the property will provide much-needed housing for park officials.
Why This Place Matters
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park preserves the story of the life of the 36th U.S. president. It includes his reconstructed birthplace, boyhood home, grandfather’s house, grade school, and the ranch and house in Blanco, TX, often called the “Texas White House.” In 1972, the Johnsons donated the Blanco ranch to NPS and the American people. After the president died in 1973, his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, continued to live at the ranch part-time until she died in 2007. President Johnson and Lady Bird are buried across from their ranch house.
Significance of the Acquisition:
- • Protects the historic neighborhood/landscape of Lyndon B Johnson’s youth from intrusion by development.
- • It preserves an important home to President Johnson’s life story.
- • While the exterior will be preserved as it was during President Johnson’s childhood, the house’s interior can be updated to provide badly needed housing for park employees or interns.
