This ship looks familiar right? Well if not, you are
looking at the USS Texas (BB-35), the second ship of the United States Navy.
This ship was named after the state of Texas. The USS Texas was used during
World War I and World War II to escort naval convoys and provide naval gunfire
support.
Research shows that of the last few battleships, this
ship is memorable for being the only
WWI era dreadnought battleship standing, yet she is not the oldest. She is also
notable for being one of six ships remaining that has served in both World Wars,
so it seems that George Washington was not the only person who had firsts in
this world. Texas was the first of
many things regarding battleships, like she was the first to launch an aircraft
from a catapult on Turret 3.
This ship is also first for becoming a permanent
museum ship and the first battleship declared as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
This ship is real piece of history that millions of people get to see almost
every day. I don’t like history that much but when I walked aboard the ship I
was astounded because I learned so much from a ship.
While on the ship you are able to rotate the guns from
left to right and move them up and down. You can also go high up above the deck
and below the deck where you can see where the soldiers slept, where there food
was made how they did their laundry and lots of other things. While on the ship
you might run into a few soldiers from the Marine Core, the Navy, the Air Force
and other types of military groups because this ship is a very important part
of history that you might not ever get a chance to see if you aren’t in the
military yourself. The ship is made out of nothing but steel and a few areas of
wood. Battleship Texas is located in La Porte on the battlegrounds of the Battle
of San Jacinto. In addition to the
Battle of San Jacinto the battleground, ship and San Jacinto Monument’s
exhibits focus on the history of Texan culture, including Mayan, Spanish and
Mexican influences.
In conclusion, if you
ever go to the ship, the battle ground or the monument I assure you that you
and whoever you go with will be very pleased with the things you learn as well
as the overall experience of being able to walk on an actual ship use in the
World Wars.
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| San Jacinto Monument |
By: Briana Cambric, 8th grade Spanish student; Pershing MS
Houston, Texas.
Briana also writes to a pen-pal in Villafranca de los Barros, Spain.
Today, MARCH 2nd Is the Celebration of the Texas Declaration of Independence. (March 2, 1836), and called itself the Republic Of Texas, after having won its independence from Mexico.
Ms. Aguilar
