As a child, I made many visits to the Battleship Texas. I was raised in the country northwest of Denton (which is north of Dallas) but my grandparents and other relatives on my Mom's side lived in and around Houston so we made a lot of trips down there.
If you remember the Texas as a water-logged rustbin, you would be very surprised at it's current condition. The volunteers and the Texas Parks and Wildlife folks have brought a lot of good stuff back for people to see. It still astounds me when I step aboard.
I was raised in Houston and took many field trips to the monument and the Battleship.
I envy you your trip. You saw some beautiful parts of America.