Chosen as the new capital site of the Texas Republic in 1839, Austin survived many challenges and remains the state capital of the Lone Star State today. Known as Texas Hill Country, the region around Austin is dominated by green landscapes, spring fed rivers and lakes, and rolling hills.
   Lyndon B. Johnson, America's 36th President, was born and raised in the Hill Country, not far from the state capital. His presidency began on November 22, 1963, when President J.F. Kennedy was assassinated. His five year tenure included the War on Poverty, the Voting Rights Act, failing policies on the Vietnam War and famously ended his bid for renomination by saying, "I shall not seek and I will not accept the nomination of my party as your President."
   President Lyndon Johnson's lasting legacy is the LBJ Ranch, where he was born, lived, died, and was buried in 1973. The LBJ National Historic Site and the LBJ State Park and Historic Site, two adjacent visitation areas, focus on the Johnson settlement, Texas Hill Country plants, wild and domesticated animals, and the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. The 700 acre LBJ National Historic Site, features the Sam Johnson farmhouse (Main photo - LBJ's boyhood home), the Junction Schoolhouse, the mid 19th century Johnson Settlement, and the President's final resting place in the family cemetery. On tour, visitors may come face to face with Texas Longhorns, Hereford cattle, and horses. Driving permits allow visitors to tour the Ranch at their own pace in their private vehicle with the ability to stop at all the sites along the tour route. Visitors must obtain a free driving permit at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center. Maps and a narrative audio CD help interpret all the highlights of the tour.

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