Hometown of Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson
Karnack, Harrison County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Wife of 36th President of the United States) On December 22, 1912, in the family home 2.7 miles south, was born Claudia Alta Taylor. She was third child (only daughter) of Thomas Jefferson and Minnie Pattillo Taylor. Her father had a general store in Karnack for many years. Young "Lady Bird" (a pet name originated by her nurse, Alice Tittle) attended public schools in Fern community, near here, and in Jefferson and Marshall, and earned Bachelor of Arts and Journalism degrees at the University of Texas. On November 17, 1934, she married Lyndon Baines Johnson, congressional staff member who became head of National Youth Administration in Texas in 1935. The Johnsons are parents of two daughters, Lynda Bird and Luci Baines. During her husband's rise to world leadership-- as United States Congressman, Senator, Senate Majority Leader, Vice President, and President-- Mrs. Johnson added to role of wife and mother that of hostess to many of the greatest statesmen of the world. As First Lady of the United States, she is true to her East Texas heritage of love for gardens, trees, unspoiled natural scenery, and historic sites. She sponsors vital national programs of conservation, beautification, and historical preservation. Outstanding Women of Texas Series, 1967.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Claudia Alta Taylor—known from infancy as "Lady Bird"—was born near Karnack in 1912, daughter of a general-store owner, and attended East Texas schools before earning degrees at the University of Texas. In 1934 she married Lyndon Baines Johnson, then a congressional aide, and rose beside him through his career to Congressman, Senator, Vice President, and President. As First Lady she championed conservation, beautification, and historic preservation.
Why it matters
Lady Bird Johnson turned the role of First Lady into a platform for environmental stewardship, and her East Texas roots shaped a national conservation legacy still visible along America's roadsides.
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Related people
- · Lady Bird Johnson
- · Lyndon B. Johnson
- · Thomas Jefferson Taylor
Themes & tags
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