2012 First-Class Forever Stamp,Lady Bird Johnson Centennial: Plant for More Beautiful Highways

U.S. #4716d

2012 45¢ Plant for More Beautiful Highways

Lady Bird Johnson 

The completion of President Johnson’s term in office did not mark the end of Lady Bird’s concern for the environment.  When they returned to LBJ Ranch in Texas, the former First Lady took her message to the highways and shorelines of the Lone Star state....  more

U.S. #4716d

2012 45¢ Plant for More Beautiful Highways

Lady Bird Johnson 

The completion of President Johnson’s term in office did not mark the end of Lady Bird’s concern for the environment.  When they returned to LBJ Ranch in Texas, the former First Lady took her message to the highways and shorelines of the Lone Star state.

Texas was one of the first states to realize the value of the land surrounding its highways.  A state wildflower planting program was in place decades before the Federal Beautification Act was passed. Lady Bird’s endorsement of the project brought awareness and popular support.  In 1969, she began the Texas Highway Beautification Awards to encourage districts to landscape their roadways.

Town Lake was a reservoir in Texas’ capital city of Austin.  In addition to flood control, the lake was intended to be used for recreation.  The overgrown and polluted shoreline made the area uninviting.  Johnson helped establish the Town Lake Beautification Committee.  Hiking and biking trails were built along the shore and flowering trees were planted.  The lake was transformed and is now a popular site for residents and visitors to enjoy.  One month after Johnson’s death, the reservoir was renamed Lady Bird Lake, a fitting tribute to the woman who envisioned a better future for Austin.

In the 1960s, stamps were issued to encourage the beautification of America.  The artwork from those stamps, as well as Lady Bird’s White House portrait, were the inspiration behind the stamps which commemorate her 100th birth anniversary.  The original engraved stamps with art by Walter D. Richards and Gyo Fujikawa were adapted for printing in offset lithography.

Value: 45¢ 1-ounce first-class rate

Issued: November 30, 2012

First Day City: Austin, TX

Type of Stamp: Commemorative

Printed By: Ashton Potter

Printing Method: Offset

Perforations: Die cut 10 3/4

Self-Adhesive

Quantity: 2,000,000

The stamps that inspired the 2012 Lady Bird Johnson issues are U.S. #1318 and U.S. #1368-68.