USS Texas, Military museum ship in La Porte, United States
The USS Texas is a New York-class battleship converted into a naval museum along the Houston Ship Channel, extending 174.7 meters (573 feet). The main battery turrets with 14-inch guns remain visible on deck, along with multiple deck levels containing crew quarters, engine rooms, and command bridges.
The battleship entered service in 1914 and participated in both World Wars, including operations during the Normandy landings and Pacific Theater campaigns. After the war, it was decommissioned in 1948 and opened to the public as a floating museum, reflecting the shift from active military duty to educational use.
The vessel serves as the State Ship of Texas and shows the maritime past through exhibits with military objects and ship equipment from different periods. Visitors can walk through narrow passageways and experience how crews once lived and worked on board.
The Battleship Texas Foundation operates guided tours from Friday to Sunday, with restoration work ongoing to maintain the structure's condition. Visitors should expect to climb steep stairs and move through tight spaces, so comfortable footwear is important.
This vessel remains the last surviving Dreadnought battleship and features original equipment and machinery that demonstrated naval technological advancement in the early 1900s. It was also the first American battleship fitted with antiaircraft guns, marking a new era of naval warfare.
Location: Harris County
Length: 174.7 m
GPS coordinates: 29.75583,-95.08944
Latest update: December 3, 2025 07:28
The historic ships of the United States Navy are a direct testament to the country’s naval development throughout the 20th century. These warships, converted into museums accessible to the public, allow visitors to learn about life onboard and the technologies used during major global conflicts. The collections include Iowa-class battleships such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, destroyers like the USS Laffey in Mount Pleasant, as well as World War II submarines like the USS Cod in Cleveland and the USS Lionfish in Fall River. Visitors can walk the combat decks, examine original weapon systems, and explore preserved interior spaces. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point also displays vintage military aircraft, while the Naval Submarine Museum at Keyport features diving equipment and historical torpedoes. These sites, spread across oceans, provide a tangible view of the US Navy's role during Pacific conflicts, the Korean War, and more recent operations, showcasing nearly 80 years of maritime military history.
This collection brings together warships that shaped naval warfare across three centuries, from wooden sailing vessels to nuclear-powered submarines. The ships represent turning points in maritime military technology, including the age of sail, the transition to steam and iron hulls, and the advent of nuclear propulsion. Preserved vessels such as HMS Victory and USS Constitution demonstrate life aboard warships during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, while USS Missouri and USS Nautilus illustrate the strategic role of naval forces during World War II and the Cold War. Visitors can explore the decks where historic battles were commanded, examine artillery from 18-pound cannons to modern naval guns, and walk through the cramped quarters where crews lived during extended deployments. The collection spans continents, with museum ships located in Portsmouth, Pearl Harbor, Stockholm, and Saint Petersburg. Each vessel tells the story of its nation's naval ambitions and the sailors who served aboard, offering a tangible connection to maritime history that no textbook can match.
Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center
22 km
San Jacinto Monument
1.2 km
Space Center Houston
22.7 km
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
1.2 km
Fred Hartman Bridge
9.1 km
Washburn Tunnel
12.3 km
Sam Houston Ship Channel Bridge
5.9 km
The Orange Show
23.1 km
1940 Air Terminal Museum
22.6 km
Vince's Bridge
13.3 km
NASA Mission Control Center
22 km
Space Environment Simulation Laboratory
21.7 km
Pine Gully Park, Seabrook, Texas
21.8 km
Lone Star Flight Museum
18.8 km
Raul Yzaguirre School for Success
19.4 km
Crenshaw Memorial Stadium
15.6 km
Smither Park
23.1 km
George W. S. Abbey Rocket Park at Space Center Houston
22.5 km
1940 Air Terminal Museum
22.6 km
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
23.1 km
Strawberry Water Park
14.1 km
Military Museum of Texas
18.4 km
Saturn V Rocket
22.5 km
Saturn V Launch Vehicle
22.4 km
Baytown 10
19.5 km
BOX 13 ArtSpace
21.2 km
Baytown Post Office
11.8 km
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
23 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes