When visiting Houston, some things immediately come to one's mind: the city and the Space Center. Apart from that, nothing of international fame seems to be there. While this might be true, I would argue that there are some more things worth visiting. First is Galveston, a small island located south of Houston at the Gulf of Mexico. Another place with something to see is the Port of Houston, home of the San Jacinto Monument and USS Texas.
While the Port of Houston is actually quite impressive in its own way - being the busiest hub in the United States - the San Jacinto Monument has nothing to do with the port. Rather, it was erected as a monument to honor Texas' independence from Mexico.
The large obelisk commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, through which Texas gained independence from Mexico. One of the famous generals on Texas' side was Sam Houston, after whom the nearby city of Houston is named.
Apparently, the large monument with a "lone star" on top was build in the 1930's. At the bottom, there is a museum about the war, a souvenir shop, and a theater. The more interesting part, however, is that there is also a viewing platform on top of the obelisk, although only with views behind glass.
The street when approaching the monument.
The elevator was as expected from a 80 year old monument, rusty and not so trustworthy. It was operated by an old lady of about the same age. I was about the only one who wanted to go up there and for the few minutes ride to the top, dutifully listened to whatever stories she tells all those people who go up there. :)
From the top, one can also see the USS Texas (more below).
I also liked the things they sold in the souvenir shop. Some of them were just as I expected them to be, like this book about cowboys. Haha. :)
I then walked over to the site where the USS Texas can be visited. Apparently it is the only battleship that has survived still on display that served in both WWI and WWII. Interestingly, it also appears in the movies Pearl Harbor, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Flags of our Fathers.
When entering, you can move freely on the ship, even climbing up to the higher areas. I thought it was quite interesting how the people lived on a ship of this size.
If I remember correctly, this was the room of one of some of the highest ranking officers aboard the USS Texas.
Me in front of the cannons.
Paravanes are no torpedoes. Didn't even know about the word until I saw this inscription.
The ship's kitchen. This must have been one of the most famous and most visited places.
Look from the USS Texas with the San Jacinto Monument in the background.
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