Battleship Texas State Historic Site
La Porte, TX 77571
Phone: (281) 479-2431
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-5pm
Editorial Review for Battleship Texas State Historic Site – by Christa Forster
The History
The Texas is lucky as far as battleships go: It survived WWI and WWII, was hit by enemy fire only twice (once by a dud) and lost only one sailor. After Britain began building the first dreadnoughts (a class of battleship designed to hold massive guns) in the 1900s, every large, arms-bearing nation followed suit. The Battleship Texas is now the only remaining WWI dreadnought in the world. Look for the 14-inch guns mounted on five turrets. Each gun had a range of 12 miles.
The Experience
No food is allowed on board, so bring some C-rations and picnic on the surrounding San Jacinto battlegrounds, the site where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe battleship is closed to the public Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
User Reviews for Battleship Texas State Historic Site
10/05/2006 Posted by evilwes
The Battleship Texas is a wonderful piece of history, if you have never been I would suggest going. On a recent Friday afternoon I decided I was going to go to the San Jacinto Battle Grounds ($1 entry fee per adult) and take some pictures of the area. After arriving I also decided to wander around the Texas ($10 entry fee per adult, $1 discount with Battlegrounds entrance receipt). The Battleship Texas is rich in history and gives a good idea of what life on the Texas was like with rooms outfitted to reflect the era. I started at deck level and after playing with the anti-aircraft guns, I decided to head up towards the bridge area then worked my way down to below deck; the entire exercise took about 2 and 1/2 hours. Climbing around the Texas requires a minor amount of finesse; the stairs are narrow and not very deep, there are some tight spaces above as well as below deck, and there are some low ceilings (well they where low for my 64 height). When you are on the second deck be sure to head to Officers Country which is forward along the Starboard Side (that is the right hand side of the boat if you are facing the front for you land lubbers). The Port (or left side) door to officers country was locked but the Starboard side had a sign asking people to come on in. Officers Country is a totally different world compared to the rest of the ship with silver and fine china for dinner settings, private rooms, and even a private head (bathroom). The Battleship Texas is opened from 10am 5 pm daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Price is $10 for adults (13+) and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent. Senior adults (65+) is $5. Hard hat tours that cover areas normally closed to the public are available. Call: (281) 479-2431 for more information.
Pros: Rich in history, not crowded, great grounds for picnicing.
Cons: A bit pricy at $10 a person
10/05/2006 Posted by danyjane
I love the Texas and have gone several times. It's not only a great historical site and a wonderful feeling for what ships were like at the time, but it's also a wonderful workout as you climb from one deck to another, a great family experience and a history lesson that doesn't have to be force-fed. It's also home to one of the spookiest experiences I've ever had. I was with my husband and a friend and we were exploring the deepest part of the ship, where the engines and steam pipes were. It was November and very cold. I put my hand on one of the pipes and it was searing hot! In that instant the room seemed to be filled with steam and I could see men bustling about. I had no sense of fear or danger, just a great deal of anticipation and activity. I could see one man clearly. He looked me full in the eyes. He was wearing dark pants, an old-fashioned undershirt (not a T shirt) and a dixie cup cap on the back of his head. He had dark hair, dark eyes and heavy eyebrows, light skin and a heavy 5 o'clock shadow. I took him to be of Italian descent and guessed him to be mid-20's. Then the image was gone. The burn on my hand faded a few minutes after. I'm told the Texas is haunted, but I don't believe I saw ghosts. I think I saw a photograph-like image that I've since begun calling a ship's memory. Does anyone know who the dark-eyed sailor might have been?
Pros: Well preserved, excellent historical marker. Wonderful time.
Cons: Not for the disabled. Hard to get around. Very physical
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