Chancellor Adenauer’s Visit to Texas (1961)

In April 1961, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of West Germany, accompanied by his daughter Libeth Werhahn, paid a state visit to the United States. After completing talks in Washington, the eighty-five year old Adenaur travelled to Vice President Johnson’s ranch in Texas, fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting the American West. This film, produced by the Lower Colorado River Authority, chronicles his journey through Texas. Chancellor Adenauer’s visit began with a military welcome at Bergstrom Air Force Base, followed by a helicopter ride to the Hill Country, where spent most of his trip. A devout Catholic, the Chancellor attended mass at St. Francis Xavier Church before continuing to the LBJ Ranch for a barbecue held in his honor, and where Vice President Johnson presented him with a saddle and ten-gallon hat. Other stops on his visit included an event held at the Gillespie Fair Ground in Fredericksburg, a helicopter tour of thehighland lakes, and the Capitol in Austin where he addressed both chambers of the Texas State Legislature.