Highway Beautification Act of 1965

As a gift to Lady Bird, President Johnson signed the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 on October 22, 1965. Two weeks later, a signing ceremony was held where President Johnson said, "I saw Nature at its purest. The dogwoods had turned red. The maple leaves were scarlet and gold . . . . And not one foot of it was marred by a single unsightly man-made obstruction--no advertising signs, no junkyards. Well, doctors could prescribe no better medicine for me... We have placed a wall of civilization between us and the beauty of our countryside. In our eagerness to expand and improve, we have relegated nature to a weekend role, banishing it from our daily lives. I think we are a poorer nation as a result. I do not choose to preside over the destiny of this country and to hide from view what God has gladly given." Then after saying, "Beauty belongs to all the people," he signed the bill and gave the pen to Lady Bird,and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was passed to control outdoor advertising along the nation's Interstate Highway System. It also required certain junkyards along the highways to be removed or screened from view. The Act encouraged roadside development and scenic enhancement.