Near Stonewall in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Reconstructed Birthplace
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
“I have a mighty fine grandson, smart as you find them. I expect him to be United States Senator before he is forty.”
Grandfather Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr., on young Lyndon Johnson
On this site on a rainy August night in 1908, the future 36th President of the United States was born. He was the first son of Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr.—a state legislator—and Rebekah Baines Johnson, an educator and journalist. Lyndon Baines Johnson lived here for the first five years of his life.
President and Mrs. Johnson had the building in front of you constructed in 1964 as a guest house for visitors to the LBJ Ranch. It stands on the site of, and closely resembles, the original home (removed in the 1940s). Though never intended as a literal reconstruction, “the birthplace” is furnished with Johnson and Taylor Family mementos spanning many generations.
(Background Photo Caption)
The original birth home was built in 1889 by LBJ’s grandfather, Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr.—shown here in front of the house with his wife Eliza. LBJ’s parents moved here after their marriage in 1907. They farmed the surrounding land between Sam, Jr.’s, trips to the legislature in Austin.
(Upper Right Photo Caption)
Lyndon Baines Johnson, six months old.
(Upper Right Photo Caption)
The photograph shows President Johnson on the grounds with his friend, Reverend Billy Graham.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #36 Lyndon B. Johnson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 30° 14.435′ N, 98° 36.603′ W. Marker is near Stonewall, Texas, in Gillespie County. Marker can be reached from Park Road 49, 0.3 miles west of Klein Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located near the Johnson Family Cemetery parking lot in Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stonewall TX 78671, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Generations of Johnsons (within shouting distance of this marker); A River Runs Through (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A More Perfect Society (about 300 feet away); "Mr. Jelly Bean" (about 300 feet away); Site of the Andreas Lindig Lime Kiln (approx. ¼ mile away); Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr., House (approx. ¼ mile away); Housing the World (approx. ¼ mile away); Trinity Lutheran Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonewall.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This list consists of 26 wayside exhibits along the LBJ Ranch driving tour in Lyndon B. Johnson NHP. The markers are in order as you would encounter them on the driving tour.
Also see . . .
1. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on December 1, 2015.)
2. Reconstructed Birthplace. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on December 1, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 1, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.