Aviation: Key to the Texas White House

In 1951, Senator Lyndon Johnson purchased 240 acres from his Aunt Frank Martin and began establishing a home base where he could continue his work away from Washington. To improve access to the ranch, a 3000 foot grass landing strip was added in 1953, and by the time Johnson became president, a series of improvements had produced a 6300 foot asphalt airstrip suitable for a variety of aircraft. The fast and efficient JetStar allowed Johnson to take his official duties home with him on a scale not seen before, making his Texas White House a reality through the assistance of aviation. In 1961, Johnson told Major James Cross that he had decided he was a can-do man, had told Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara that he wanted him to be his pilot, and wanted the JetStar reserved for his exclusive use. President Johnson also greeted Vice President Hubert Humphrey as he arrived at the LBJ Ranch and traveled to the ranch from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio with his beagles, Him and Her.

Stonewall, Texas · United States