We Doubt Many People Could Name All 40 of these Influential Leaders in American History

We Doubt Many People Could Name All 40 of these Influential Leaders in American History

Larry Holzwarth - February 9, 2019

We Doubt Many People Could Name All 40 of these Influential Leaders in American History
Lady Bird at the planting of a dogwood tree along I-95 in Virginia, part of her effort at beautification which included anti-littering campaigns. US Department of Transportation

29. Lady Bird Johnson

Throughout American history the influence of the First Lady on the President was limited to their personal relationship. Lady Bird Johnson was the first of the presidential wives to actively and publicly campaign for the passage of legislation with her support of the Highway Beautification Act, which led to the limiting of billboards in some areas, and the planting of flowers and installation of amenities at stops along the nation’s highways. It also led to penalties for littering on federal highways. Her influence on the bill and its passage led it to become known as Lady Bird’s Act, and its provisions remain in force in the 21st century.

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