ourpresidents:

Celebrating the life of Lady Bird Johnson — Claudia Alta Taylor was born in Karnack, Texas on December 22, 1912.  At an early age, her nursemaid said she was “pretty as a lady bird” —and so she became “Lady Bird.” 

She grew up in Texas and graduated with honors and two degrees from the University of Texas.  Lady Bird married Lyndon Baines Johnson on November 17, 1934, which, to Lyndon’s great pleasure, gave them the same initials.

Lady Bird was known as the environmental First Lady, and passionately worked on National Beautification and conservation efforts during her White House years.  On her 70th birthday, she founded the National Wildflower Research Center, later renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Lady Bird spent later years enjoying her seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  She remained at the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, Texas among the wildflowers until her death on July 11, 2007.

This year, we are celebrating the Centennials of two First Ladies, Pat Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson.  Learn more about the First Ladies Centennial through the Presidential Libraries.

-from the LBJ Library