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Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, January 14, 1969

LBJ Library & Museum

Sound | 1969 | B/W | English

Categories:

1960s

Politics

Lyndon Baines Johnson

LBJ Library and Museum

On January 14, 1969, President Lyndon Baines Johnson delivered his last State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Before members of the House and Senate – who greeted the President with a lengthy standing ovation – Johnson delivered an address that reflected upon the policies and accomplishments of his administration. Throughout the address, Johnson's tone is firm yet wistful, with a sad smile appearing on his face as he delivers the final line: 'But I believe that at least it will be said that we tried.'

Purchased from a family member in 1951 while Lyndon B. Johnson served in the U.S. Senate, "the ranch," located in Gillespie County in the Texas Hill Country was the Johnsons' family home. The LBJ Ranch made its debut to the American public during Johnson's vice presidency (1961 - 1963) when it was used to host state visits of foreign dignitaries, high-ranking Washington politicians, and campaign functions. As President (1963 – 1969), Johnson conducted official business at the ranch, including state visits and lawn chair staff meetings, earning it the name, the Texas White House. On December 2, 1969, the ranch, along with Johnson City and Johnson's birthplace, was authorized as Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site, and became a United States National Historic Park on December 28, 1980. Both President and Lady Bird Johnson are buried in the family cemetery within the National Historic Park.

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