Honoring History Through Art: The Story Behind James Surls' Creation from LBJ's Cabinet Oak Tree
- friendsoflbj
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
The story of the Cabinet Oak at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is one of history, nature, and art coming together in a unique way. When a massive branch of this iconic tree broke off in 2019, it could have been just a loss. Instead, Park Superintendent Susanne McDonald donated the large branch to the Friends on behalf of the National Park Service. This became the seed for The Cabinet Oak Project, a remarkable artistic event that honored the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson and the natural beauty of Texas. This initiative transformed a moment of loss into a creative celebration of history and nature. Each artist brought their unique perspective, resulting in a diverse collection of works that honor the legacy of the LBJ Ranch and the natural beauty of the oak.
Renowned Texas artist James Surls was among the 53 artists invited to transform pieces of the Cabinet Oak into works of art. His three creations, History Walk, Walking Man, and Whistling Man, stand as powerful tributes to the past and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the LBJ Ranch.
The Cabinet Oak and Its Historical Significance
The 300 year-old Cabinet Oak is more than just a tree. It grew in the front yard of the Texas White House, the home of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The oak—long a symbol of strength, endurance, and legacy—earned its name because of the meetings held underneath its sprawling branches during Johnson’s Presidency. It stood as a silent witness to decisions that affected the nation, embodying the resiliency and majesty of the United States Presidency.
James Surls and His Art
James Surls is a celebrated Texas artist known for his deep connection to the natural world. Growing up in the Texas woodlands, he developed a profound appreciation for nature and the environment.
For the Cabinet Oak project, Surls created three pieces from this wood. The first piece, History Man, remains in Mr. Surls' collection as thanks from the Friends for adding his name to the project and contributing two pieces for auction or sale to benefit the park.
The second piece, Walking Man, was recently sold by the Friends, and it is now on display at the Amazon Austin headquarters building. In accord with the wish of Mr. Surls, proceeds from the sale will be combined with other funds raised by the Cabinet Oak Project for the Our Hearts Home Project to support restoration and new exhibits at the park.
The Meaning Behind History Man- James Surls
"When I was a little boy growing up in and around the Texas woodlands, I breathed deep the nature of my surroundings, from green grass, creek beds, and well water. I moved through the underbrush and trees growing from seedlings to saplings, then going on to be the canopy spreading out above me. But throughout all of the categories and ways of grouping trees, none stand alone like the 'Shade Tree', that big, full, and voluptuous beauty giving its relief from the radiant heat of the Texas Sun.
These trees took on a mythical position in the minds of the inhabitants that traversed their ground. They stood in glory, through it all, the blistering heat, the freezing cold, yet offering years of comforting shade to the reality of deep conversations going on under their winged limbs, so it was to change the world. I am not a little boy anymore, but rather someone who has lived through the times under the shade tree. I know and understand the reverence bestowed upon and held by the long arms of the big oak in the front yard of the place where life was lived. The shade tree was as much a part of the gravitational force as was the living room, the kitchen, and the porch. For me, to be able to step into that as a historical reality brings honor to my stock and trade, to have the remnants and remains of a limb from such a tree brings me to a point of psychological and historical responsibility, to honor times past as well as to give rise to the Now of our time. To hold such a piece of wood in my hand and then form it into a symbol with and of meaning and content, then returning its own to the world at large, is a true honor." James Surls
The Legacy of the LBJ Ranch Through Art- The 'Whistling Man', the Remaining Piece from James Surls
The remaining art piece, Whistling Man, is available for purchase. The proceeds from the sale will support the restoration efforts of the Texas White House, the development of new exhibits, and the improvement of visitor facilities at the LBJ Ranch.
Visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. There are no fees to visit either the Johnson City District or the LBJ Ranch District of the park. To enter the LBJ Ranch, you must pick up a free driving permit from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site visitor center, located at 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX 78671.
Pets must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not allowed inside the buildings. Pets are permitted on the Johnson Settlement trail. Owners must properly dispose of pet waste and control pet behavior.
There are two districts to the park: Johnson City & the LBJ Ranch. These sites are separated by 14 miles on Highway 290. Start your visit at the visitor center in either district.
In Johnson City, visit the visitor center, take a tour of Lyndon Johnson's Boyhood Home, and walk the Johnson Settlement.
At the LBJ Ranch, stop by the Junction School, Reconstructed Birthplace, Johnson Cemetery, Show Barn, and see the Hereford cattle on the ranch.
Download a park map before heading out!
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