(36) "Lady Bird" Johnson

Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Taylor Johnson

Websites

National First Ladies Library Biography of Lady Bird Johnson

Papers/letters collections

Personal and Organizational Papers: Lady Bird Johnson

Historical sites

Lady “Bird” Johnson’s Birthplace

Fascinating details

Was nicknamed “Lady Bird” at an early age by a nurse who said she was as pretty “as a lady bird.”
She financed much of Lyndon Johnson’s campaign for senator and, when Lyndon was assigned to active-duty military during WWI in 1941, she managed his office without compensation.
Lady Bird bought a local Texas radio station, initiating a long-held family business and taking an active role in the corporation.
As wife of the vice president during the Kennedy Administration, she travelled to 33 countries becoming an “ambassador of goodwill.”
As a strong proponent of civil rights, she travelled to eight Southern states giving speeches on what is referred to as her whistle-stop tour or the ‘Lady Bird Special,’ promoting her husband’s re-election at a time of contention following the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Championed and lobbied for environmental and conservation efforts and legislation.
Initiated the Beautification Project, a proposal to relieve America of its urban ills. In 1965, the Highway Beautification Act became law.
Lady Bird appointed a larger, better-trained staff including a press secretary and a social secretary—each with their own teams—and two staff members assigned to aid with the Beautification Project.
Named Honorary Chairman of the Congress-initiated ‘Headstart’ educational program.

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