San Jacinto State Park

This was another highlight of the Houston trip.

 The view from the bottom shows a 570 foot monument. Up near the top, is the observation deck. Apparently, Texas had to get Federal money and/or approval to build it. This was granted provided that it was shorter than the Washington monument. Now, those sneaky Texans ( you know who you are) added a bigger foot and a 220 ton Texas star to make it taller than Washington's. The plans submitted did not include the additions.

 Pardon the history lesson, but this is all new to me. Sure, I heard about the war and the Alamo, but there was a whole bunch of stuff here that I had no idea about.

 Just think, a million square miles of territory changed hands in a 20 minute battle!

Before you call Homeland Security, I did not spray paint this! Well, I kinda, sorta did, using Paint. No State treasures were harmed by this wee bit of pride. I was amazed at the diversity of the combatants.

 The view from the top, about 570 feet up is impressive. The USS Texas is actually a few feet longer in length than the monument is tall. The theater inside put on one of the best historical documentaries that I have seen. Well done, Texas!

For those looking for more here is a  LINK

USS TEXAS ( BB35)

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the USS TEXAS, the only remaining battle wagon in the world, and at one time (1914) the most powerful ship afloat. The State  Republic of Texas is doing the restoration up proud!

At 571 feet long and displacing 34,000 tons, it is an impressive ship! The above view is from the top of the San Jacinto monument 

The main guns can throw a 1500 pound projectile 15 miles using 400 pounds of powder per shot.

Defensively, it was formidable, but was  doomed by the advancement of aviation.

The Armour was impressive also

 Everybody had to have a hand at working the guns.

 There was one freighter that was inbound that was tracked closely.

 Main rounds for the 14 inch guns, 1500 pounds each. When the ship fired a full broadside, 15 tons of projectiles left the ship.

All in all, a very fun trip! How they managed to get 1600 people on board is another puzzle. Below decks was a mass of hanging cots, sick bay, stores, and dentistry.

I would recommend the site, if you are in the San Jacinto area!