Near Stonewall in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Show Barn
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 12, 2015
1. The Show Barn Marker
Although ranching produced just a fraction of the Johnson’s income, it constituted a major portion of the President’s public identity. The Johnsons maintained two herds of cattle on the LBJ Ranch—one of them a commercial herd sold for beef, the other a herd of about 500 registered Herefords, sold for breeding purposes. The registered Herefords on the ranch today are descendants of the animals owned by President Johnson.The show barn was the center of the ranching operation, where equipment was stored and the ranch’s five or six employees reported to work. Here ranch hands prepared cattle for showing, both to prospective buyers and at shows throughout Texas. Herdsmen trained and fitted the show cattle. Each animal represented a considerable investment; at that time a prize-winning bull was worth between $500 and $1500.
(Lower Left Photo Caption)
Grooming tools, harnesses, and other supplies were kept in a show box, like this replica, for easy transport to local fairs and cattle shows.
(Upper Center Image Caption)
LBJ’s Herefords frequently won awards, such as this champion prize
this page online
(Right Photo Caption)
Before he purchased the ranch in 1951, most Americans saw Lyndon Johnson as a small-town Southern senator. But with the ranch came the image of a Texas rancher and businessman—an impression more acceptable to the national electorate.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #36 Lyndon B. Johnson series list.
Location. 30° 15.522′ N, 98° 37.448′ W. Marker is near Stonewall, Texas, in Gillespie County. Marker is on Malecek Road, 1.2 miles north of Park Road 49, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located next to the Show Barn on the LBJ Ranch Driving Tour 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Working Corrals (here, next to this marker); Bringing Washington Home (a few steps from this marker); Watering the Landscape (approx. 0.4 miles away); The LBJ Ranch: A Living Legend (approx. half a mile away); The Environmental First Lady
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 12, 2015
2. The Show Barn and The Working Corrals Markers
The Show Barn marker is on the right
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 - Official Website. (Submitted on December 5, 2015.)
2. Ranching the LBJ Way brochure from the National Park Service. (Submitted on December 5, 2015.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 12, 2015
3. Bringing Washington Home, The Working Corrals,
and The Show Barn Markers
and The Show Barn Markers
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 12, 2015
4. LBJ Ranch Show Barn
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
