Houston Chronicle Suggests Move Battleship to Better Location

Out of place: State should consider moving the Battleship Texas / Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle / Aug. 9, 2008, 9:28AM

The editorial begins: "The Battleship Texas is berthed near the San Jacinto Monument. 

The Battleship Texas needs expensive repair and a dry berth. Rather than carving a permanent dry dock out of the historic San Jacinto Battlefield, Texas Parks and Wildlife should consider moving the vessel to another location on Galveston Bay.

With low attendance and surrounded by refineries, the Battleship Texas can't support itself as other battleship memorials do. A better location could change all that."  READ MORE AT http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5933415.html

Where to Move the Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas will be moved. To where is the question.

 

It rests in a slip of salt water in or margining the northern portion of the 1836 Texans' Army Camp from which the Battle of San Jacinto started.

 

Only the more unusual conversations now do not accept that the Battleship Texas must be "DRYDOCKED" or "DRYBERTHED" to be saved for the future. That's been concluded if not acted upon by relevant authorities.  Floating in salt water, the corrosion is eating its hull, the same as salt water eats your automobile's metal parts.  So the drydocking or dryberthing will happen.  The question becomes to where. 

Will it be temporarily raised or removed and replanted in its exact same location upon the Texan's Army Camp, will it be moved to a location virtually adjacent and still hovering at the Army Camp, will it be moved 30 to 100 yards away on the same coastline but beyond the immediate locale of the Army Camp, or will it be moved a few miles to Galveston?  But it will move. 

The discussion regarding where to move the vaunted 1912 Battleship Texas, flagship of U.S. W.W. II Naval Pacific forces, now moored in the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto Texas Army campsite is continuing.   Three groups now favor a move to Galveston.  The Texas Navy Association http://www.texasnavy.com/ , the Galveston City Council http://www.cityofgalveston.org/city_council/citycouncil.cfm (if it's going to move far, move it here), and the Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground Association http://www.friendsofsanjacinto.com/site/  

An organization that has recently spoken against the Galveston site are the Battleship Texas Foundation http://www.battleshiptexas.org/  

The discussion has moved to the Legislature, probably the ultimate decision-maker in this case.

While tradition, self-interest, mis-information, personal favoritism, tourist dollars lost or gained, better funding across the years for preservation, greater or lesser visitor attendance, historical interpretation options, and general propriety all have their verses in this chorale, but those all are reduced to what is the proper place for it and will it be permanently, properly funded there (we're talking really big money).

 

Relocate Battleship Texas?

July 10, 2008, 11:18PM
Storm signals fly over old ship
Galveston tries not to take sides on bid to relocate Battleship Texas

By HARVEY RICE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

"GALVESTON — A feud over moving the battleship USS Texas from its moorings at the San Jacinto Battleground shifted into the Galveston City Council chambers Thursday, but council members wanted to stay out of the fight.

Most of the numerous private groups associated with the battleground and the battleship want to keep the ship in La Porte, where it has been berthed for 60 years. But at least two groups want it moved to Galveston and prepared a resolution for consideration by the council.

The council delayed voting on the resolution to make it clear that the city is not taking sides in the dispute, but merely wished to be considered as a port for the Texas if the Legislature decides to move it."  Read more from the Chronicle                http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5882181.html

San Jacinto Historic District

If you've been driving from Houston

eastward through the Pasadena area, you may have noticed the ENORMOUS historical pictorials emblazoned on the oil tanks. That's the San Jacinto Historic District's doings. Arising about 2006, the District been productive. The SJHD is a complementary collection of local jurisdictions wishing to maintain the heritage of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Battleship Texas with some attention to improving affairs to attract tourist dollars. Notice "Project Stars."

The Mission Statement:
" Our Mission: Sharing our Heritage and our Vision
Project Stars™ is a collaborative effort that brings together the port region communities of East Harris County (Precinct Two). This effort resulted in a Master Plan utilizing tools such as innovative urban landscaping, unique image enhancement techniques, and strategic economic development focusing on untapped historical resources. This Master Plan was created over a two year period and currently targets enhancements for 26 historic sites on major corridors.
Precinct Two represents nearly one million people living in the most populous county in Texas. Generally located between Houston’s I-45 on the west, Interstate 10 on the north, Galveston Bay on the east, and Clear Lake on the south, the precinct is larger than five states.
The Project Stars Master Plan emerged after conducting analysis, research, benchmarking and gathering community feedback over a two year period. Among the plan’s first goals was the creation of the San Jacinto Historic District. Mission accomplished: it is now the newest and the 5th largest historic district in the state of Texas.
The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region shepherded a volunteer task force of approximately 50 leaders and numerous agencies; and the number continues to grow. Our leaders have identified quality of life issues that capture the attention and the imagination. Historic sites were rediscovered as amenities unique to the area. These “stars”- as they became known in the Master Plan – do not exist anywhere else on the planet.
Implementation of our 2006 goals – with the help of many stakeholders – including economic research, the submission of several grant applications to the Texas Department of Transportation, and the planting of more than 4,000 trees is just the tip of the iceberg. Or as we say…the tip of the Stars!

http://www.sanjacintotexashistoricdistrict.org/

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