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

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.

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.

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.

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.