In September 1960, presidential candidate John F. Kennedy and his running mate, Lyndon B. Johnson, campaigned in Texas, visiting both major cities and smaller towns.

Their two-day trip included stops in Lubbock, San Antonio, and Houston on the first day, followed by Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Dallas on the second. While larger cities hosted formal speeches, the motorcade’s journey through smaller towns like Arlington provided more intimate greetings with locals.

Photos from the day show an enthusiastic crowd gathered as the motorcade passed through Downtown Arlington. While stopped near the Arlington State Bank, Kennedy charmingly noted, “I live just 3 miles from Arlington—in Massachusetts,” referring to the Boston suburb of the same name. Though the visit was brief, it was surely a memorable moment for those present.

Kennedy was elected president less than two months later, with Johnson as his vice president.

Photos:

—(1) John F. Kennedy campaigning in downtown Arlington
—(2) Senator John F. Kennedy in motorcade in downtown Arlington on campaign trail just before 1960 presidential election
—(3) Senator John F. Kennedy in motorcade in downtown Arlington on campaign trail just before 1960 presidential election

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 09-13-25

Photo Credits: Arlington Citizen-Journal Photograph Collection and UTA Special Collections