The Battleship TEXAS is the last of the world's "dreadnoughts," the all-big-gun ships designed and built and the beginning of the twentieth century. When she was commissioned in 1914, the USS TEXAS was the most powerful weapon in the world. She is now the only surviving U.S. naval vessel to have seen service in both World Wars.

Scheduled to be used as a bombing target, Texas citizens launched a state-wide fund drive to save the Battleship. The Navy towed her to Texas to become the nation's first memorial battleship. She was officially transferred to the state on April 21, 1948. For 35 years, the TEXAS was administered by the Battleship TEXAS Foundation. During that time she was designated a National Historic Engineering Landmark (1975) and a National Historic Landmark (1977). She became part of the Texas state park system on September 1, 1983.

Photographs, documents, uniforms, and furnishings relating to operation and history of the USS TEXAS (BB-35) 1914-1948

Documents and photographs pertaining to USS TEXAS. Some minor material relating to other US Naval forces 1914-1945.

General tour is self-guided. Special "Hard Hat Tours" available several times a year through First Texas Volunteer group.

Texas Parks and Wildlife

Access: Scholars

Appointment required: Yes