LBJ Museum and Library at University of Texas in Austin, Texas

This morning after a wonderful breakfast with a former student who is now working on his PhD at University of Texas, I toured the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. This museum is dedicated to the legacy of LBJ's Great Society programs, his efforts on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement and the space program, and the challenges of being president during the Cold War, including the war in the Vietnam. I admire Johnson's commitment to try to do what he thought was in the best interest of the country and our citizens. The exhibit was made all the more powerful as I had opportunities to hear Johnson's many recorded conversations and see thousands of personal artifacts. In the picture below, I'm standing in front of Johnson's presidential limousine. It was a powerful and informative morning.

LBJ Presidential Library

LBJ Ranch

On the way to Austin today, I decided to stop at the site of Lyndon B. Johnson's ranch. This working cattle ranch is along the banks of the Pedernales River in beautiful Texas hill country. President and Mrs. Johnson donated a portion of the ranch to the park service with the stipulation that the ranch would remain a working ranch. As I drove through the ranch, I saw the descendants of Johnson's prized Hereford cattle herd. Johnson called the plane I am standing in front of Air Force 1/2 because this smaller plane allowed him to escape to the ranch and conduct business at what came to be known as the Texas White House. Safely in Austin now! 

The National Museum of the Pacific War

Today I toured this amazing museum. It was filled with artifacts, informative interactive videos, first hand accounts, and more information to add to my knowledge of World War II. I'm standing next to a statue of Admiral Chester Nimitz the Allied Commander in the Pacific and native son of Fredricksburg. This is one of the best museums I have ever explored! I'm bringing back lots of resources for my students and a greater understanding of the war in the Pacific, including an increased appreciation of the sacrafice so many made. 

Fredericksburg, Texas

I had a nice drive through Texas hill country today, including some good rain. Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants and there is evidence all around the city of that continued legacy. I am standing in front of the Vereines-Kirche one of the original pioneer buildings now on the historic register of buildings. This town of just over 10,000 is the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz. Tomorrow I will visit the acclaimed National Museum of the Pacfic.

San Elizario, Texas

After leaving El Paso this morning, I turned south and headed down to the border to visit historic San Elizario mission. This mission was an important stop on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro the primary trade and travel route for 400 years between Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico. It is actually the site of the First Thanksgiving in the present day United States in April 1598, 23 years before the pilgrims. It is still a working mission church. A beautiful cloudy day for a visit. 

El Paso, Texas

Today was a great day of driving. We had rain all around us but none on us. I stopped at Fort Bliss and learned about the Buffalo Soldiers. This African-American cavalry unit served on the western frontier as the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiment from 1867 to 1943.  Initially they were charged with keeping the peace and protecting settlers. They earned the name Buffalo Soldiers from their Native Anerican adversaries out of respect for their courage and fighting prowess. Read more about the memorial on the link below.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_25195578/fort-bliss-gives-fitting-tribute-buffalo-soldiers

On Our Way

All the bags are packed and we are ready to go! Heading to El Paso, Texas. Cache and Canella are ready for a fun trip! Me too!