Texas Presidents Leave Lasting Legacy on American History

From LBJ's Hill Country ranch to George W. Bush's Crawford retreat, the Lone Star State has shaped many U.S. presidents.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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This Presidents' Day, we celebrate the outsized influence Texas has had on American politics. Several U.S. presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, have deep ties to the Lone Star State, governing from Texas ranches and hometowns. Even before joining the U.S., Texas had its own presidents as an independent republic. These Texan leaders have left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

Why it matters

Texas has produced an outsized number of U.S. presidents compared to its population, reflecting the state's political and cultural influence. Understanding the Texas roots of these commanders-in-chief provides insight into their leadership styles and policy priorities. The state's impact on the presidency also highlights its unique role in shaping the American experience.

The details

Several U.S. presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, have deep connections to Texas. LBJ frequently governed from his LBJ Ranch, nicknamed the 'Texas White House.' Eisenhower was born in Denison before moving to Kansas, but Texas still proudly claims him. George H.W. Bush built an oil business in Houston and established a political dynasty there. And George W. Bush made his Crawford ranch a symbol of his presidency. Even before Texas joined the U.S., it had its own presidents as an independent republic, like Sam Houston and Mirabeau B. Lamar, who helped shape the state Texans still love today.

  • Presidents' Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday in February.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson governed from his LBJ Ranch in the Texas Hill Country.
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas in 1890 before moving to Kansas as a child.
  • George H.W. Bush built an oil business and political dynasty in Houston in the mid-20th century.
  • George W. Bush made his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas a symbol of his presidency in the early 2000s.

The players

Lyndon B. Johnson

The 36th U.S. president, Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas and frequently governed from his LBJ Ranch, nicknamed the 'Texas White House'.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

The 34th U.S. president, Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas before moving to Kansas as a child, but Texas still proudly claims him as one of their own.

George H.W. Bush

The 41st U.S. president, Bush wasn't born in Texas but built an oil business in Houston and established a political dynasty there.

George W. Bush

The 43rd U.S. president, Bush made his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas a symbol of his presidency, embracing a down-to-earth cowboy persona.

Sam Houston

The first and third president of the Republic of Texas, Houston helped secure the state's independence before it joined the United States.

Mirabeau B. Lamar

The second president of the Republic of Texas, Lamar pushed for the expansion of the independent nation before it became part of the U.S.

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The takeaway

Texas' outsized influence on the American presidency reflects the state's unique political and cultural impact on the nation. The Lone Star State's legacy lives on through the leadership and legacies of its native sons who have occupied the Oval Office, shaping the course of U.S. history.