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Bush Family Home State Historic Site

About

In the heart of Texas, in the city of Midland, lies a unique place that offers a look behind the scenes of one of the world's most influential political dynasties. The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is a modest but incredibly significant house museum where two future presidents of the USA lived from 1951 to 1955: George H.W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush.

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Bush Family Home State Historic Site. Source: Kupi.com AI
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The building was constructed in 1940, and in the early fifties, the family purchased it for just 9 thousand dollars. Despite its small size—about 130 square meters—this house became an important starting point in the biography of the nation's 43rd president, who spent his childhood years here. In 2004, the property was rightfully added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Today, the museum, which officially opened in 2006, is a state historic site managed by the Texas Historical Commission. It is not just an architectural structure, but a living illustration of how leadership qualities and American identity were formed in the typical setting of post-war Texas.

Contacts

To get the latest information on special events or admission fees, you can contact the museum administration directly. The Texas Historical Commission ensures a high standard of preservation for this state historic site.

Address: 1412 W Ohio Ave, Midland, TX 79701, USA
Phone: +1 432-685-1112
Official Website: visitbushfamilyhome.com
Governing Organization: Texas Historical Commission

What to Do

The main reason to visit this museum is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the 1950s. Inside the house, you will see meticulously restored interiors, original furniture, and household items used by the Bush family. Of particular interest is the kitchen, which preserves the spirit of that era, and the bedroom of young George W. Bush, where you can imagine the childhood of the future head of state.

The museum visit is conducted via organized guided tours. Professional guides share many details about the daily life of the presidential dynasty, their habits, and their path to success. It is a great chance to see how ordinary Texas life was intertwined with big politics.

Please note that the last tour of the house begins at 4:15 PM (16:15). It is recommended to arrive early to see not only the interior rooms but also a small exhibit dedicated to the history of Midland itself and the oil boom that brought the Bush family here.

Getting There

The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is located at 1412 W Ohio Ave, Midland, TX 79701. Since it is in the central part of the city, the site is easy to find. For those using a navigator, you can use the coordinates: 31.9987°N, 102.0913°W.

Since public transport in this part of Texas is quite limited, the most convenient way to reach the site is by personal or rental car. Midland is conveniently connected by highways to other major Texas cities like Dallas and Houston. If you are arriving at the local airport, the best option is a taxi or a ride-sharing app.

There is usually plenty of parking near the museum, making it a comfortable visit for those traveling through the USA by car. From central Midland, a taxi ride will take only a few minutes.

History & Facts

Although George Walker Bush was born in Connecticut, it was Midland, Texas, that shaped his character. The Bush family moved here when the future 43rd president was just two years old. His father, George H.W. Bush, decided to try his luck in the region's booming oil business after the end of World War II.

Interestingly, the Bush family moved 29 times during their lives, but this modest 1,400-square-foot house remains one of the most significant in their biography. In the 1950s, Midland rapidly transformed from a ranching hub into the oil capital of Texas, and living in such a dynamic environment had a profound impact on young George's understanding of American entrepreneurship.

The city, founded in 1881 as a railroad station, had become a symbol of the "Texas Dream" by the mid-20th century. Walking through the rooms of the house, you can feel the atmosphere of a time when future world leaders led an ordinary middle-class life, going about their daily business in the heart of oil country.

Time Needed

A full visit to the Bush Family Home State Historic Site usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to leisurely tour all the rooms, examine the family's personal belongings, and join an organized tour.

If you have a deep interest in political history or the 1950s era, allow a little more time to chat with the guides, who often share unique stories not found in standard guidebooks. Overall, a visit here fits perfectly into a morning or afternoon stroll through the city.

Working Hours

The museum welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday. The doors are open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Keep in mind that viewing the house is only possible as part of a tour, and the last one starts at 4:15 PM (16:15).

On Sundays and Mondays, the museum is closed to the public. Since the schedule may change depending on public holidays or special events, we strongly recommend checking the official website before planning your trip.

Nearby

A visit to the Bush family home can be complemented by a stroll around the neighborhood to better soak up the atmosphere of old Midland. Exploring local historical markers and landmarks will help you dive deeper into the history of this unique oil region.

Name Type Distance (km)
Hospice of Midland Historical Marker Historical Marker 0.6
The Bar Establishment 1
Leyenda Coffee & Tequila Establishment 1.3
T.S. Hogan Petroleum Building Historical Building 1.4
Wall Street Bar & Grill Establishment 1.7
Midland Linebery House Historical Building 1.9
Midland County Veterans Memorial Memorial 2.2
Riley's Bar & Grill Establishment 2.6
Spitz - Midland Establishment 3
Cork & Pig Tavern Establishment 3.9

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