Battleship USS Texas To Depart San Jacinto Battleground
Ever since I moved to Texas it feels like every time I spot a new attraction I'd like to go see, I'm either too busy working or the attraction announces they are closing. Doh! In this case, Texans are not happy about the news that Battleship Texas will have to find a new home.
The 107-year-old survivor of both World Wars just isn't getting enough visitors at the San Jacinto Battleground. Word has gone out that visitors will have until the end of the year before the battleship is permanently removed from the Houston area.
ABC13.com spoke with Bruce Bramlett with the Battleship Texas Foundation and he says the reason for the move is the apparent lack of interest. The number of visitors is no longer enough to help pay to keep up the vessel.
Another issue is the massive battleship is a pretty expensive tourist attraction to maintain. The Texas legislature recently passed a unanimous bill to provide Battleship Texas $35 million for repairs before it is taken to a new site. The upper Texas coast has been mentioned as a new region to locate the battleship but no specific site has yet been named.
Battleship Texas has been a part of the San Jacinto Battleground for the last 70 years. All that will come to an end at the end of the year. The USS Texas launched way back in May of 1912. It is the second Navy ship named in honor of the Lone Star State.
USS Texas fought in Mexican waters after Tampico and saw action in both World Wars.
This is another reason I've got to do more sightseeing! Time is running out to see this one. Plan your road trips now!