Lady Bird Johnson
(b. 1912)

Lady Bird Johnson is best known for her work as First Lady of the United States. Johnson became the First Lady under difficult circumstances when her husband, Lyndon Baines Johnson, was sworn in as President following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. As First Lady, Johnson led an effort to conserve natural resources and beautify the nation. She took an active part in her husband's war-on-poverty program, especially the Headstart project for preschool children.

Johnson was born Claudia Alta (Taylor) in Karnack, Texas. She received the nickname "Lady Bird" as a child, and the name remained with her. In 1933, Johnson received a degree in history from the University of Texas and in 1934, a degree in journalism. She met and married Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1934.

After leaving the White House and retiring to the ranch in 1969, Johnson continued her efforts on behalf of the environment. On her 70th birthday in 1982, Mrs. Johnson founded the National Wildflower Research Center, an organization dedicated to the preservation and re-establishment of native plants in natural and planned landscapes. In 1988, Johnson co-authored the book Wildflowers Across America. Johnson currently lives at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, Texas.

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