%b%crSan Jacinto Monument and Museum%b%c* and other La Porte, TX Things to Do Tips

The monument is dedicated to the "Heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto as well as all others who dedicated themselves to the independence of Texas." This limestone shaft stands 570ft high and has a 34ft star on the top which symbolises the Lone Star Republic. It weighs in at 220 ton. There is an observation floor 489ft up which gives a great view. The area surrounding the monument is where, in 1836, General Sam Houston and his invincible army battled to "Remember the Alamo!," and brought an end to the revolution against Mexico's rule.

The monument was built over 100 years ago and is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest monument column in the world.

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Address: Hwy 134, La Porte, Texas

The reflection pool stretches out in front of the monument but it wasn't reflecting much the day we were there. It is uncertain as to when it was actually built but probably around 1937/38. It covers about 8.4 acres with its length of 1,800 ft and width 200ft.

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The Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S in 1948. It was then presented to the State of Texas on the anniversary of Texas Independence. In 1983 it was placed under the care of the Texas parks and Wildlife and permanently moored on the Buffalo Bayou and Houston Ship Channel.

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Address: 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte
Directions: State Historical Park

When the Texas was commissioned in March 1914, it was sent almost straight away to Mexican waters where she then united the Special Service Squadron following the “Vera Cruz Incident”. As soon as the incident was resolved, the Texas then returned in 1914 to Atlantic Fleet operations.

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Address: 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte
Directions: State Historical Park

The Battleship Texas, in 1916, became the first battleship in the U.S. to mount anti-aircraft guns. It was also the first to control its gunfire with range-keepers and directors.

The ship earned earned 5 battlestars for her contribution and service during World War II. The Texas also played a part in the Invasion of North Africa in 1942 and the Invasion of Iwo Jima in 1945.

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Address: 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte, San Jacinto

The Aft 14" guns.
The U.S.S. Texas is the only ship to have fought for the US Navy in both World War I and World War II and it is the last of the American "dreadnoughts" which was thought to be the most powerful warship afloat because of her 14”/45 guns in five twin turrets.

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Address: USS Texas, 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte

3" Anti Aircraft Gun - The gun was a dual-purpose piece of equipment. It could be also used against surface targets. The guns fired 13.1 lb shells with a surface range of 7 miles and an antiaircraft maximum of 29,800 ft at 85' elevation. The guns provide relatively ineffective against high speed aircraft that the Texas encountered during World War II.

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Address: USS Texas, 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte

The ships forward tripod mast and superstructure is said to be the brain of every dreadnought - the command and control system. The ships course and manoeuvring were determined on the navigation bridge or in the armoured conning tower. You can climb to the various levels and feel yourself as Admiral of the fleet. The Texas did not begin its life with tripod masts but after the cage design was proved unsteady, all American dreadnoughts were converted to sturdier tripod masts.

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Address: USS Texas, 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte

The ghost of an unknown soldier is said to haunt the second deck of the USS Texas. We didn't run into him though while we were there.

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Address: USS Texas, 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte

Space was always at a premium on warships especially during war time when the crew was expanded. The pipe frame bunks or 'spring racks', were hung in this manner in virtually every open area on and above deck 3. Originally hammocks had been the usual bedding of naval seamen but reported back problems caused the navy to bring in spring racks. Enlisted men were usually berthed as near to their assigned stations as possible.

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Address: USS Texas, 3527 Battleground Road, La Porte