Spiderboy’s Cub Scout pack made the trip to Houston to visit the Texas. They spent the night aboard, toured the ship, learned about her history, and manned the guns!
In Processing. Pick ‘em up, put ‘em down.
Going aboard. The kids had to salute the OD, and permission to come aboard. Heh heh heh.
Spiderboy assists hoisting the pack colors from the yardarm.
Getting instructions on the proper way to toss our gear down the hatch.
Ready to tour.
The boys see their quarters
Wide open spaces. Note tables and benches stowed above.
The ship’s laundry.
Why is this called “the head” again?
The auxillary RADAR room, for the radio geeks.
Nothing like a spacious cabin for a restful night!
The pizza swiping varmit.
Hoisting the jack in the AM. Spiderboy had flag detail again.
The starboard side of turret #1. The ship has 5 turrets, each with twin 14” rifles.
The main bridge. The ship’s only cauaulty to enemy fire occurred on D-Day when a shell exploded below the bridge. A helmsman died a few hours late from his injuries.
The helmsman’s view over the hood ornaments.
Ship’s bell, note the 1913 launch date.
Ship’s bell from the previous USS Texas.
Spiderboy mans the azimuth crank for a 3” gun.
Spiderboy graduates “Basic”. Dad did too BTW, and got labeled “old salt”.
The next day, the ladies came aboard. Bittygirl did not like the wind mussing her flaxen locks.
Today's Educational Sources and suggestions for further reading:
http://www.samhoustonstatue.org/
http://www.battleshiptexas.org/
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/san_jacinto_battleground/
WE VISIT A MONUMENT TO MONUMENTAL MEN
The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site holds a significant responsibility to preserve the proud history of the State of Texas and the United States. The famous Battle of San Jacinto that brought TEXAS its independence was fought on this site. Because of the great importance of the Battle to the course of history, the Battleground is of state, national and international significance, a fact that is attested to by the site's National Historic Landmark status.
The primary purpose of the 1,200-acre site is to commemorate the Battle and to preserve the Battleground on which Texian troops under General Sam Houston achieved the independence of Texas by defeating a Mexican Army led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site consists of the Battleground, Monument and Battleship TEXAS. It is located within minutes of downtown Houston and a short distance to 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. Students and visitors alike are most fortunate to be able to experience history first hand through living history at the San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship TEXAS State Historic Sites.
Hey, there’s a ship over there.
Spiderboy checks out the cornerstone.
Bittygirl and dad take a turn.
Yes, we were there at the same time.
My God, it’s full of stars seashells.
The history of Texas, Part I.
Part II.
Part III.
Part IV.
Part V.
Part VI. If’n ya’ can read through the washed out part.
Part VII.
Part VIII.
Even the stars are bigger in Texas!
