The Battleship Texas is currently closed for a major repair project.

The USS Texas holds the distinguished designation of a National Historic Landmark and a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark. Commissioned in 1914, the Texas was a state-of-the-art vessel and served in both World Wars. In 1919, Texas became the first U.S. battleship to launch an aircraft. The Texas received the first commercial radar in the U.S. Navy in 1939, and the First Marine Division was founded aboard the Texas early in 1941. On April 21, 1948, the Texas was decommissioned. That same year, the Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the United States. 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 Texas was 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.

Currently located adjacent to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Battleship Texas provides many recreational and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Experience history first-hand through living history programs and self-guided tours at both sites, and take a walk along the marsh trail to view the native prairie, tidal marsh and bottomland forest as it appeared at the time of the historic 1836 Battle of San Jacinto. 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.

Watch the following video to learn more about Texas's World War II naval legacy. This video was produced for inclusion in the World War II on the Texas Home Front mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel mobile app. Learn more about the tour and the app on the World War II theme page at the following link: http://texastimetravel.com/travel-themes/main-world-war-ii