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
I'd be most delighted to go on a trip to board this ship and learn even more than I did in this passage. This seems like a very interesting topic.It was also a very informing article for me being that I'm not from Texas so I knew nothing about the ship or its history,but I'd love to know more. On another note, I also had no idea that March 2, 2016 was the anniversary of Texas' Declaration of Independence helping them gain freedom from Mexico.
ReplyDelete~Trise Nelson~
I've been to Battleship Texas before with my family and it was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about what it was like to be in the US Navy during World War One and Two. It must have been very hard because the living conditions looked tough and the kitchen looked like it didn't produce very good food for the soldiers. I was also surprised it is the first battleship declared as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. That's pretty cool because there are a lot of ships from the famous wars we fought in. I sure am glad that I didn't have to be in the US Navy back in those days because life on a ship like that with hundreds of other soldiers with me makes me sea sick just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteSam Kennedy
During the summer of 2013, I went aboard this ship and it was a wonderful experience to see all the history behind. One thing that felt weird to me was when I would be going down the stairs since they were so narrow and how the rooms were so small. I could definitely tell that these soldiers had a tough experience on board. It's very astonishing on how it became our first permanent museum ship and also declared our first U.S. National Historic Landmark. This ship has so many amazing historical antiques like the big machine guns and the missiles. I loved the view from up top which could over see the entire ship. This was a very memorable experience for me and I would love to return one day.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to the USS Texas before, but after reading this article, I am making it a goal to do so. It is astonishing to think that there is such an amazing landmark right here in Texas, and I can't help but feel state pride. It is inspiring to think about how many soldiers who devoted their lives to our country worked on that ship, and I feel like that is why so many people visit it. The USS Texas has a one of a kind ability to intrigue people while educating them, which is why I'm glad so many people get to experience this U.S. National Historic Landmark.
ReplyDeleteAmelia Heymach
I have been on this ship before, and it was an incredible experience. The ship was full of history and represents US pride. I learned a lot more than I thought I would on this ship. The exterior of the ship alone was very beautiful, but the authenticity and the atmosphere inside the ship was what made it really special. I'm really happy that they made it a Historic Landmark, and glad that they opened it to educate people about the history of this ship.
ReplyDeleteCora Wen
When I roamed this ship in 4th grade I wondered how soldiers lived lived like this. Were they always busy? When I think about both WWs I knew they were serious and brutal wars against countries. With the wars going on it was probably hard to get around. Their living space was somewhat roomy and very handy. There was a barber shop and more to fit the needs of these men.Im honored to know that these soldiers and ships were what represented the United States. Those days were the toughest for everyone, with wives worrying and soldiers ready to get out of war, this world was going to be changed once and for all. This ship is part of American history that can't be forgotten, not ever. Hopefully, not another battle will come, but if there is one, let us all know that there is something that will be representing.
ReplyDeleteI have stayed on this ship before and I find this article very interesting. I don't remember it being made completely out of steel. That seems very harsh and if I was a soldier there, I would feel like I was in some kind of prison. It is also interesting that it was in both world wars, which is very impressive since it is still completely intact. This ship represents America in wonderful ways, and it shows the hardships we have overcome to become the wonderful nation we are today.
ReplyDelete-Reagan Kimzey
i have never been here but by her comments in this article makes me want to go to this battleship and see the tools and things they did in world war 1 and i think it is cool to be able to move the guns they used up, down, right and left. it is also cool how you would be able to meet soldiers that are studying the history of this ship. -Antonio Sanchez-
ReplyDeleteI went to both the USS Texas and the San Jacinto monument last year, I learned a lot... I went to the top of the San Jacinto monument, the view was really nice. I learned a lot more from the USS Texas though. For example, I learned about the type of food soldiers had to eat( doesn't sound very good), how they slept, what kind of jobs different soldiers had... I think that actually visiting the boat helped a lot for me to understand certain things. Also, we were allowed to go sit on the canon seat and pretend to shoot canon balls. So as I said: i had a lot of fun and I hope to go back one day.
ReplyDeleteOops, accidentally posted it
ReplyDeleteSo I was saying, I hope to go back one day. Maybe their decision about never using it again will have changed, Maybe they will use it for WW3(hopefully we won't need to). Hopefully it will always remain in a good condition.
After reading this article, if I were ever offered a trip to the USS Texas ship, I would gladly take that offer. I have never been there before but it seems as if many people take pride in this historic landmark and I do as well. I have never heard of the USS Texas because I'm not from Texas, but this article makes me want to visit sometime. I would like to know how the soldiers lived their lives, about where they slept, what food they ate, and everything else that this historic landmark offers. The ship itself looks amazing even though it is very old and the fact that it was in both World Wars is astonishing to me! I would love to go here sometime and I hope that I can make that happpen.
ReplyDelete~Graydon Cortez~
I have been to the battleship monument but never inside. From what you're telling me now its all the enjoyment that I wanted without going out of Texas. I find it interesting that a whole ship can be made out of pure steal. With what you've said in bits and pieces I can tell that there was not much technology. I did know that Texas was in the ship's name, but I didn't know what USS was. As you mentioned how you weren't a big fan of history, neither am I. However I do love this topic and I hope I can visit one day. Thank you Mrs. Aguilar.
ReplyDelete-Heather Y.Coleman
I had a field trip in elementary school when i was younger and we went to the ship. i only was able to see it but never was able to go inside which really sucks because it seems like a really cool experience. I definitely want to try to visit it again before i move as it teaches a lot about Texas history. I really hope to learn a bit more about the ship because i love history and it would be a pleasure to know everything about the ship, other ships , and Texas history.
ReplyDelete- Goof Richelle
My family and I visited the famous USS Texas battleship during spring break a couple of years ago. I'm honored to say that this trip helped enlighten me on the rich history that were the WWs. What amazed me wasn't only the beauty of its build on the outside, but the wonderful memories left behind, showing on its walls and in its quarters. To be able to wander throughout what used to be soldiers' living space and look amongst their old bunks. To feel the energy of the wars many men fought to their death for, to grant us liberty, it was spectacular. I'm glad it is on display for others to educate themselves on its history.
ReplyDeleteAshley Cuevas
I remember going on a field trip to the battle ship in elementary school! We got to go on it and explore it, however we didn't have a tour guide, so we didn't get to learn too much about it. I'm really glad that I got to read about it in this article however! It's a very interesting peoce of history. I didn't realize that this was the last WW1 ship standing! It really puts into perspective how rich in history Texas is. Thank you for writing this article. I hope to visit the ship again soon, hopefully with a tour guide to learn more about it! ~Ethan Lang
ReplyDelete