A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Jan. 22, 1973, former President Lyndon B. Johnson died at his Texas ranch of a heart attack at age 64. He left the limelight after the end of his presidency in 1969 to spend time at LBJ Ranch with his wife Lady Bird and his dogs.
On the same day in Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its Roe v. Wade decision, declared a nationwide constitutional right to abortion. (The court would overrule Roe v. Wade in 2022, in the decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization).
And the Vietnam War — Johnson’s biggest challenge as president — was days aways from wrapping up.
A moderate Democrat, Johnson was elected vice president in 1960 and acceded to the presidency in 1963 upon the assassination of Pres. John F. Kennedy. He defeated Republican Barry Goldwater in the ensuring presidential election.
During his time in office, Johnson pushed through Congress the nation’s first Medicare program, the Civil Rights Act of 1965, the Voting Rights Act, federal aid to education at all levels, Head Start, public housing, child and maternal health assistance and several first environmental and beautification laws.
LBJ, as he was often referred to, also face tremendous opposition to his vast expansion of American involvement in the Vietnam War.
The president was buried at LBJ Ranch.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about Johnson and his place in history:
“Library marks anniversary of LBJ’s death”
“LBJ’s Texas: Small area of big state grew man giant in ambition but not integrity”
“Tapes show LBJ doubted his abilities”
“LBJ’s phone calls after JFK’S death to be made public”
