Battleship Texas State Historic Site
Welcome Aboard the Battleship Texas!
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's 1,200-acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site consists of the San Jacinto Battleground, Monument and Battleship Texas. These sites are located within minutes of downtown Houston and a short distance from the beaches of Galveston Island. Millions of visitors come to this area each year to enjoy the mild coastal climate and cultural and sports activities. Visitors experience history first-hand through living history at the San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship Texas.
In 1948, the Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the United States. That same year, on the anniversary of Texas Independence, the Texas was presented to the State of Texas and commissioned as the flagship of the Texas Navy. In 1983, the Texaswas placed under the stewardship of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is permanently anchored on the Buffalo Bayou and the busy Houston Ship Channel.
Things to Do
Battleship Texas
The Battleship Texas program provides many recreational and educational experiences for visitors and organized youth groups, as well as numerous programs for students of all ages, self-guided tours of the Battleship and Battleground, confined space rescue training, and internships. Learn more about Battleship Texas programs and tours.
Marsh Restoration and Boardwalk
From the1,210-foot long marsh trail and boardwalk you can view the native prairie, tidal marsh and bottomland forest as it appeared at the time of the historic 1836 Battle of San Jacinto. Read the Marsh Interpretive Trail Guide: "Habitats of the Upper Texas Coast."
Recreation Area
Picnic tables, grills and water faucets are available throughout the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. An enclosed picnic pavilion overlooking Buffalo Bayou is available by advance reservation.
San Jacinto Battleground
Check out programs and tours of the San Jacinto Battleground site, including the Battleground, Monument Observation Floor, and San Jacinto Museum of History. Read or download "A Battleground Walking Tour Guide."
Area Attractions
The site is a short drive from downtown Houston where you can enjoy the many historical and cultural museums; professional sports teams; and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Galveston and the Gulf of Mexico are less than an hour drive south of the site. Nearby Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sites include Brazos Bend State Park, Galveston Island State Park, Village Creek State Park; and Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center.
Related Links
For more information about the nonprofit organizations that support the Texas Parks and Wildlife in the operation of the Battleship Texas State Historic Site, visit their websites:
Websites that provide further information about the Battleship Texas or volunteer activities:
Website that provides further information about the San Jacinto Battleground:
This additional naval activity link may be of interest to you:
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