Lyndon B. Johnson Timeline

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was a towering figure in American history whose career spanned some of the most transformative decades of the 20th century.

From his humble beginnings in rural Texas to his ascent as a master legislator and ultimately the presidency, Johnson’s legacy is marked by monumental achievements and profound controversies.

He championed civil rights, launched the ambitious Great Society programs, and left an indelible mark on domestic policy. At the same time, his escalation of the Vietnam War cast a shadow over his tenure.

This timeline chronicles the key events of his life, offering a detailed look at the milestones that defined his extraordinary journey.

Date Event
August 27, 1908Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) is born near Stonewall, Texas, in a farmhouse on the Pedernales River.
1924Graduates from Johnson City High School.
1927–1930Attends Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University), earning a degree in education.
1930–1931Teaches public speaking at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas.
1931Becomes congressional secretary to U.S. Representative Richard Kleberg of Texas.
1934Marries Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Taylor on November 17.
1935Appointed director of the Texas National Youth Administration, focusing on job training for young people during the Great Depression.
1937Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election, representing Texas’s 10th Congressional District.
1941Loses a close Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
1941–1942Serves briefly in the Navy during World War II, receiving a Silver Star for his actions in the South Pacific.
1948Wins a highly controversial U.S. Senate race against Coke Stevenson, earning him the nickname “Landslide Lyndon.”
1953Becomes the youngest Senate Minority Leader in U.S. history.
1955Becomes Senate Majority Leader and solidifies his reputation as a master of legislative maneuvering.
July 13, 1960Selected as John F. Kennedy’s running mate at the Democratic National Convention.
November 8, 1960Elected Vice President of the United States.
1961–1963Serves as Vice President under President Kennedy, focusing on space exploration and domestic policy.
November 22, 1963Sworn in as the 36th President of the United States aboard Air Force One following Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, Texas.
July 2, 1964Signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most significant civil rights laws in U.S. history.
November 3, 1964Wins a landslide victory in the presidential election, defeating Republican Barry Goldwater.
1965Launches the “Great Society” program, focusing on civil rights, healthcare (Medicare and Medicaid), education, and poverty alleviation.
March 1965Sends federal troops to protect civil rights marchers during the Selma to Montgomery marches.
1965–1966Escalates U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, a decision that will dominate his presidency and legacy.
1966Signs the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
1967Faces growing domestic protests against the Vietnam War.
January 1968The Tet Offensive marks a turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to increased criticism of Johnson’s handling of the conflict.
March 31, 1968Announces he will not seek re-election, shocking the nation.
January 20, 1969Leaves office, succeeded by President Richard Nixon.
1971Publishes his memoir, The Vantage Point: Perspectives of the Presidency 1963–1969.
1972Focuses on retirement at his ranch in Texas and reflects on his legacy.
January 22, 1973Dies of a heart attack at his ranch in Stonewall, Texas, at the age of 64.
1973The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is dedicated in Austin, Texas.

Timeline of Lyndon B. Johnson

August 27, 1908

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas, in a small farmhouse along the Pedernales River.

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He grew up in a modest environment, where his family faced financial struggles. These early experiences shaped his empathy for rural and impoverished Americans, which later influenced his political priorities.

Lyndon B Johnson

1924

Lyndon graduated from Johnson City High School, showing an early aptitude for debate and public speaking. His teachers described him as ambitious and charismatic, traits that would later define his political career.

1927–1930

He attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) in San Marcos. To support himself, Lyndon worked a series of odd jobs, including as a janitor and office assistant.

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His time here sparked his interest in public service, and he was deeply influenced by professors who emphasized civic responsibility.

1930–1931

After graduating, Lyndon began teaching public speaking at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas. His work as a teacher gave him firsthand experience with the challenges faced by working-class families, fueling his later commitment to education reform.

1931

Johnson became a congressional secretary to U.S. Representative Richard Kleberg of Texas. In this role, he gained a practical understanding of legislative processes and developed a network of political connections in Washington, D.C.

1934

Lyndon married Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Taylor on November 17. Lady Bird became a crucial partner in his life and career, contributing significantly to his campaigns and later championing environmental and beautification projects during his presidency.

Lyndon B Johnson

1935

Lyndon was appointed director of the Texas National Youth Administration. In this position, he helped create jobs and provide training for young people during the Great Depression. His success in this role earned him a reputation as a dynamic and effective leader.

1937

In a special election, Lyndon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas’s 10th Congressional District. He quickly established himself as a supporter of New Deal policies, advocating for rural electrification and infrastructure development.

1941

Johnson ran for the U.S. Senate but narrowly lost the Democratic primary. This defeat taught him the importance of organization and strategy, which he would apply in future campaigns.

1941–1942

During World War II, Johnson served briefly in the Navy, earning a Silver Star for his participation in a bombing mission in the South Pacific. Although his time in the military was short, it bolstered his image as a patriotic leader.

1948

Johnson won a controversial Senate race against Coke Stevenson. The election, decided by only 87 votes, earned him the nickname “Landslide Lyndon.” This victory marked the beginning of his ascent to national prominence.

Lyndon B Johnson

1953

Johnson became the youngest Senate Minority Leader in U.S. history. His ability to build coalitions and broker deals showcased his talent for leadership in a divided political landscape.

1955

Lyndon was elected Senate Majority Leader. He mastered legislative strategy, pushing through key bills by understanding the motivations of his colleagues and leveraging personal relationships.

July 13, 1960

At the Democratic National Convention, John F. Kennedy chose Lyndon as his running mate. This decision united the northern and southern wings of the Democratic Party, strengthening their chances in the general election.

November 8, 1960

Lyndon was elected Vice President of the United States, serving alongside President John F. Kennedy. His role was marked by extensive work on space exploration and efforts to build political support for the administration’s domestic programs.

November 22, 1963

Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States aboard Air Force One after Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, Texas. His immediate focus was on ensuring a smooth transition and continuing Kennedy’s legislative agenda.

July 2, 1964

As President, Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. This landmark legislation prohibited racial discrimination in public places and employment, a key step in the fight for civil rights.

Lyndon B Johnson

November 3, 1964

Johnson won a landslide victory in the presidential election, defeating Republican candidate Barry Goldwater. His campaign emphasized his vision for a “Great Society,” with a focus on poverty, education, and healthcare.

1965

Johnson launched the “Great Society” program, aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. Key initiatives included Medicare, Medicaid, and federal support for education. The program represented one of the most ambitious domestic agendas in U.S. history.

March 1965

Johnson sent federal troops to protect civil rights marchers during the Selma to Montgomery marches. His leadership during this time highlighted his commitment to civil rights despite opposition from southern Democrats.

1965–1966

Johnson escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, sending additional troops and resources. His decisions were driven by a desire to prevent the spread of communism, but the war became deeply unpopular at home.

1966

Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), increasing government transparency by granting citizens the right to access federal records.

1967

Johnson faced growing domestic protests against the Vietnam War. Demonstrations on college campuses and public discontent began to overshadow his legislative accomplishments.

January 1968

The Tet Offensive marked a turning point in the Vietnam War. Although the U.S. military repelled the attacks, public opinion turned against the war, leading to increased criticism of Johnson’s leadership.

March 31, 1968

In a televised address, Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election, citing his desire to focus on governing rather than campaigning during a time of national crisis.

January 20, 1969

Johnson left office, succeeded by President Richard Nixon. He retired to his ranch in Texas, where he reflected on his presidency and spent time with his family.

1971

Johnson published his memoir, The Vantage Point: Perspectives of the Presidency 1963–1969, detailing his experiences and challenges as president.

1972

Johnson spent his final years at his ranch, focusing on environmental conservation and reflecting on his legacy. He often spoke about his concerns for the nation’s future.

January 22, 1973

Johnson died of a heart attack at the age of 64 at his ranch in Stonewall, Texas. His death marked the end of an era for a man who had profoundly shaped mid-20th-century America.

1973

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum was dedicated in Austin, Texas, serving as a lasting tribute to his life, legacy, and contributions to the nation.