JFK & LBJ. Why the fascination? When we mapped out our See the USA road trip we never really focused on where we would stop or what we would see. It was more of a let’s see where the road takes us kind of thing. As it turns out, the road led us to two fascinating moments in history that will forever be linked together. Both moments definitely still hold the fascination of many.
The JFK Museum
We drove eastbound across Texas and if you’ll recall from a previous post, it was – shall we say – less than a pleasant experience. I had to channel my inner PollyAnna to survive it. We had no plans to stay in Dallas. However, we timed our day so that we could stop for a few hours to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. It’s also known as the JFK Museum.
Was it a Conspiracy?
This was a moment in history well-worth learning more about. It’s one of those moments in time when pretty much everyone (except me) can say where they were when JFK was shot. Seemingly, everyone has an opinion on what actually happened on that fateful day. Was it just one man, was it a conspiracy and was LBJ involved? As uncertain as I am I must admit I tend to think Oswald was just a patsy in a much bigger scheme. Visiting the museum won’t do anything to sway you one way or the other. As a matter of fact you may leave even more baffled.
The Book Depository
The museum is quite small. However, it is well-thought. The exhibits tell the story in a sequential order of events, with lots of little details such as the luncheon invitation – to which JFK was headed. The corner window – from where the shots were supposedly fired – is behind walls of plexi-glass with empty storage cartons set in place to resemble what the scene looked like at the time of the shooting.
Like many museums, visitors are not allowed to take photos. Why is that? We took photos of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, but we couldn’t take photos of displays behind plexi-glass? Go figure. But what I found the most interesting was in fact the photos on display, photos capturing the story as it unfolded; the faces and the body language of those who witnessed the events first-hand. Those were memorable, especially the photos of Jackie.
I have to say it was definitely well-worth the time it took for us to visit the museum. And it definitely left us both even more uncertain as to what may have actually happened that day.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
About an hour outside of Austin you’ll find a sleepy little town known as Johnson City and just beyond Johnson City you’ll find the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Who knew, right?! This was the private residence of LBJ and Lady Bird – I know, what a name – and while he was in office their private home/ranch was known as the Texas White House.
“President Johnson flew home to his Texas ranch 74 times during his 5 years in office, living and working for 490 days—or about one-fourth of his presidency—at the Texas White House.” Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
JFK & LBJ Forever Linked
I know very little about LBJ and his presidency, I wasn’t old enough at the time to understand, so I actually learned quite a bit while touring the ranch and home. It seems as if he was most often thought of as the school yard bully. I do know that his legacy will be forever linked to that of JFK and there are those who do believe LBJ played a significant role in the assassination of JFK.
I think what I appreciated most about visiting the ranch was what I learned about Lady Bird. She was a strong intelligent woman in her own right.
Lady Bird Johnson
“Notably well educated for her time, she proved a capable manager and a shrewd investor. After marrying LBJ in 1934, when he was a political hopeful in Austin, Texas, she used a modest inheritance to bankroll his congressional campaign, and then ran his office while he was serving in the navy. Next, she bought a radio station and then a TV station, which would soon make them millionaires. As First Lady, she broke new ground by interacting directly with Congress, employing her own press secretary, and making a solo electioneering tour.” Wikipedia
Preservation
Once she passed, their home was opened to the public for tours and it was just like stepping through a time warp. When LBJ died, Lady Bird placed most of his belongings in storage to preserve them. When the home was opened for tours, everything was in pristine condition and put back in its place as if they had just been there the day before. It was really quite fascinating. Again, no photos allowed so I can’t slip you any sneak peaks.
Why the Fascination?
So why the fascination of these two former presidents decades later? It’s been 50 years since the assassination and yet it is still one of the most debated moments in history. Was it one man, was it a conspiracy? It’s the ultimate unsolved mystery. There are points and counter-points for every theory.
For me, anytime I can learn through travel, it’s a plus. Anytime I can walk in the path of someone in history, well that’s an added bonus. I have to admit I am one of those who remain fascinated, especially now that I’ve had the opportunity to visit these places and walk in the paths. The experience definitely fueled the fascination.
What do you think? Was it one man or was it a conspiracy and was LBJ involved? Will the fascination continue for generations to come?
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The story about the shot of JFK is fascinating. It must be interesting to visit these monuments!
It is indeed very interesting to visit the memorials and it is a fascinating story. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like 2 very interesting tours, it’s funny that sometimes the non scheduled trips turn out to be the best moments / most interesting places.
Freya recently posted…Appalachian Trail Record Holder Jennifer Pharr Davis
Yes! And since we did very little planning while traveling we came across quite a few great finds, which I’ll be sharing. Thanks for reading, Freya!
My husband really wants to take a cross country road trip. Two hours in the car and I’m ready to poke sticks in my eyes so it’s going to be very interesting. Your post definitely made me look at Texas and his history and mystery through new eyes. Did you time your visit to the 50 year anniversary of JFK’s death or was that just happenstance? Thanks for the most interesting history lesson.
Nancy Thompson recently posted…Fabulous and Still Free ~ Attractions to Visit in America
Oh no! Don’t poke sticks in your eyes, you’ll miss so much! Ha! Ha! I think road trips fall into the category of love it or hate it, there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground for most people. I’m obviously on the side of love it! No, the timing of our trip had nothing to do with the 50-year-anniversary, it just worked out that way and I had no idea about the LBJ ranch until a conversation with another traveler. That’s one of the best parts of a road trip, discovering the unexpected.
I became fascinated with JFK when I found out my dad got to meet and shake hands with him when JFK was campaigning in Carson City. I forgot the name of the author but they just interviewed the man who did a whole piece on the day in Dallas and the transition of our government and country literally on that fateful day on NPR. It was absolutely intriguing and caught the hour long segment again later in the evening. It was last week or the week before. I’ve pretty much decided things are at face value as to his assassination. But, probably the best water cooler talk ever in our country’s history. Good post, Patti! 🙂
Mike recently posted…Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies – Getting Started With Part I
Thanks Mike. I think the piece of the puzzle that baffles me the most is Ruby shooting Oswald, it just seems too well-timed, too immediate, too easy. In my mind that action is what lends itself to a conspiracy, but we’ll never know. It’s just so interesting though!
I’m an old enough Boomer to remember where I was the day JFK was assassinated. I was 9 years old and living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I heard the news walking home from school as I crossed the jardin (the main square). The Mexicans adored JFK, our first Catholic president.
I don’t think LBJ had anything to do with the assassination. He might have been a crude SOB, but historically speaking, he made it his business to enact as much of JFK’s agenda as possible after he was in office, including the Civil Rights Act which had a lot to do with turning the south Republican from Democrat.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…The Hawaii Chocolate Festival – Educational and Yum!
Interesting that you were living in Mexico at the time – definitely a different cultural perspective of the event. I learned at the LBJ ranch that he started the Head Start program as well and would often visit the nearby classroom when he was at the ranch. In visiting the ranch one also sees the other side of him, the family man. He seemed to either be revered or loathed – an enigma.
Maybe one day, Wikileaks or what’s-his-name Snowden will divulge the truth. But will we know it when we see it? I remember the day well. I was home from school on a break when Cronkite came on the air.
I always thought Jackie was a real class act. I wouldn’t have put with JFK’s shenanigans, but I guess to stay in the White House, some women might. Just like Hillary.
Thanks for the interesting article, Patti. I have been to the Dallas museum, but not LBJ’s. Linda
I don’t think the real story will ever be disclosed, especially since it has been 50 years since the assassination as most of the first-hand witnesses – are no longer living. I think it will always be a much debated point in history. If you find yourself in Austin, TX, take an afternoon to visit the LBJ ranch, it’s quite interesting.
Interesting read. I do remember where I was when JFK died. I was walking home from school and I arrived to find my mother glued to our little black and white TV set. I’m Canadian, and I think his death had an impact on our country as well. He and Jackie were young, rich and beautiful. As far as LBJ goes, really never had much interest in him. I guess I was too young. As far as conspiracy goes, I’ve always thought it probably was.
Nancie recently posted…Chiang Mai: Maya Mall’s Glitzy Food Court for Foodie Tuesday
I think the fact that they were young, rich and beautiful definitely adds to the fascination, the whole Kennedy – Camelot imagery. I’m certain the whole world was glued to the news on that day and it certainly must have impacted the entire free world at some level.
I have visited the Sixth Floor Museum. I think it’s a good place to experience, and one of the highlights of Dallas for visitors. I’ve not visited the LBJ site, but I did read a biography of him many years ago. He was a very interesting man. I think what you say about schoolyard bully is probably pretty accurate. What I remember from the book is he was a true filthy mouthed cowboy who did whatever it took to get his way.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Kilchurn Castle: Uncovering a Scotland Gem
Yep, I think that pretty much describes him and standing at 6’4″ he really towered over people and we saw many photos where he would literally have the person he was talking too bending backwards because he’d be in their space. And he wanted to be at the ranch – Texas White House – because at the ranch he was in complete control without the DC political distractions.
I really don’t know enough about all the theories to have an informed opinion but it sounds fascinating! I agree, learning through travel is awesome, it’s the best way to discover history 🙂
Amy recently posted…Snaps from a Tuk Tuk
Absolutely, Amy, it’s one of the things I love most about traveling!
JFK and Jackie were such fascinating people. Time seemed to stop for everyone when the news of his death was heard of our radio. We had just watched a movie about a vice president being involved in plotting the death of the president in order to take the office. Then JFK was shot and they removed the movie for over 40 years. Because of the movie, we also wondered if LBJ had something to do with it.
Neva Fels @ Retire for the Fun of it recently posted…My Empty Nester Orchid Room
Interesting – what was the name of the movie? There are definitely those who are convinced LBJ had something to do with it – on some level.
Such sad historic JFK memories.
Indeed. Thanks for stopping by Marilyn!
Looks like a very informative tour of those two places. There are quite a few JFK conspiracy theories, and when you hear them explained, they all sound feasible. So many unanswered questions!
Patti Morrow recently posted…Cheat Sheet to the Best of Bend
It’s true, there are so many plausible theories – I think that’s what keeps the fascination alive.
Real early boomer history here! Those of us of a certain age all remember that day in Dallas that changed our lives. Two interesting sites.
santafetraveler recently posted…Dining at the Santa Fe Culinary Academy
It definitely changed the course of history. That’s for sure, and interesting to think about the possibilities had JFK not died – what he was capable of accomplishing.