Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is held every year on August 27 to honor the birthday of this former President of the United States. Lyndon Baines Johnson, also sometimes known as L.B.J., was an American educator and politician who was the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969, after previously serving as the 37th Vice President. Following his death in 1973, the Texas State Legislature established a legal state holiday to memorialize the 36th President of the United States and a native son of the state.
History of Lyndon Baines Johnson Day
On August 27, 1908, Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in Texas, a few miles from Johnson City, which his family helped establish. Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a high school teacher. On November 17, 1934, Johnson married Claudia Alta Taylor, also known as “Lady Bird.” The couple met after he had attended Georgetown University Law Center for several months, but he later quit in 1934 after the first semester. He had asked her to marry him on their first date. She refused but finally agreed. The couple had two daughters, Lynda Bird, born in 1944, and Luci Baines, born in 1947.
In 1937, he was elected to the House of Representatives. In the 1960 presidential election, Johnson ran for the Democratic candidacy but lost. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts won the nomination and chose Johnson as his running mate. They went on to win the election, and on January 20, 1961, Johnson was inaugurated as Vice President. After John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Johnson became President.
In the 1964 election, Johnson ran for a full term and defeated Republican Arizona Senator Barry by a landslide. With 61% of the vote, Johnson was elected President. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States to create “A Great Society” for the citizens of the United States.
In 1968, Johnson did not seek re-election after Senator Eugene McCarthy announced his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, a first for a party with a sitting president. Johnson made a television announcement shortly after that he would neither seek nor accept his party’s presidential candidacy.
Johnson died of a heart attack on January 22, 1973, at his Texas ranch. Following his death, the Texas State Legislature established August 27 as a legal state holiday to commemorate his legacy.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Day timeline
Lyndon Baines Johnson is born in Texas, on August 27.
In 1937, Lyndon Johnson is elected to the House of Representatives.
Lyndon Johnson runs for the Democratic candidacy for the presidency but loses.
In the 1964 presidential election, Johnson runs for a full term and defeats Republican Arizona Senator Barry by a landslide.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Day FAQs
Who was Lyndon Johnson's vice president?
Hubert Humphrey was a famous American politician.
At what age did president Johnson die?
From 1908 to 1973, he lived for 64 years.
What is President Johnson famous for?
Signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 influenced his civil rights legacy.
How to Observe Lyndon Baines Johnson Day
Pay a visit to Texas
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall, Texas, is a fitting tribute to America's 36th president. The ranch, located one hour west of Austin, is where you can learn more about Johnson and tour his childhood home.
Share a post on social media
Make a social media post in LBJ's honor to commemorate the politician's birthday. Use suitable hashtags and share notable remarks from him.
Learn more about LBJ
To truly honor this political figure, you must first learn about him. Learn about Johnson's history and political achievements throughout his presidency.
5 Facts About Lyndon Baines Johnson
First state of the union address
Johnson vowed an "unconditional attack" on poverty in the United States in his first State of the Union address in 1964.
Near-death experience
Johnson's Senate career took off, but he nearly died in the process after suffering a serious heart attack in 1955.
Anti-civil rights bill
In his first 20 years as a legislator, Johnson voted against every civil rights bill.
Four different prestigious positions
Johnson was one of only four people in history to hold four different prestigious political positions.
An emergency bathroom break saves a life
During World War II, Johnson came dangerously close to being killed but was saved by a last-minute trip off the plane to use the restroom.
Why Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is Important
He impacted U.S. political history
Lyndon B. Johnson was a revolutionary who changed the role of government in the United States forever. Johnson removed the government from neutrality and turned it into a people's agent. An avalanche of laws was his legacy.
It honors Johnson's legacy
Lyndon B. Johnson Day commemorates his life and accomplishments. Today commemorates his humble beginnings, his political and legislative career to his dying moments.
It honors America's democratic history
In the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is a historical occasion. As much as the day honors America's 36th president, it also honors the country's democratic history.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 27 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | August 27 | Thursday |
| 2027 | August 27 | Friday |
| 2028 | August 27 | Sunday |
| 2029 | August 27 | Monday |
Log In With Google