The Committee for a More Beautiful Capital

The beautification program was the product of the deep rooted concern that Lady Bird Johnson had for the nature and environment, and the belief that beauty could improve the mental well-being of the citizens while promoting harmony. The latter was especially important at that time due to the instability and division within the society resulted from the Vietnam war, civil rights issues and other political topics. Lady Bird Johnson believed that having a more pleasant and liveable environment was capable of soothing people, thereby reducing the tension within the community. The poster after the images will reveal more information about the program.

Lady Bird Johnson plants pansies as Sec. Stewart Udall and others look on. LBJ Library photo by Robert Knudsen

Lady Bird Johnson (right) and Liz Carpenter posing in front of flower bed in Washington, D.C. LBJ Library photo by Robert Knudsen

Created by Mingmin via Canva using icons from the Noun Project and information from Beautification Summary

Click on to read about the Highway Beautification Act